What is the primary responsibility associated with the principle of justice?

The principle of justice in the context of professional ethics, particularly in healthcare and physical therapy, revolves around fairness and equality. This principle requires professionals to treat all individuals fairly, ensuring that everyone has equal access to care and that benefits and risks are distributed equitably among patients.

By emphasizing fairness, the principle of justice aims to prevent discrimination and bias in treatment, acknowledging the diverse backgrounds and needs of each patient. Therefore, treating all fairly and distributing benefits equally is not only a foundational ethical commitment but also crucial for building trust in the healthcare system. This principle also underpins various policies and regulations within the healthcare field to promote equal opportunity for all patients, which is essential for maintaining the integrity of the profession.

The other options, while important ethical considerations in healthcare, focus on different principles. For example, "to do no harm" aligns with the principle of beneficence, aiming to promote good and prevent harm. "To maximize individual autonomy" relates to the principle of autonomy, emphasizing a patient's right to make informed decisions about their own care. "To ensure confidentiality" pertains to the principle of privacy and confidentiality, protecting patient information from unauthorized access. Each of these principles plays a significant role in ethical practice, but justice specifically centers on fairness