Gift-giving or influence peddling: can you tell the difference?

Physical therapists are faced with an ever-increasing array of advertising ventures, "free" gifts, and enticing offers from equipment and supply companies and various health care agencies. Concerns are raised about the ethical implications of gift exchange in professional activities. Basic motives governing gift exchange are examined from a sociological standpoint. The obligation of the professional to act in the best interest of the patient and to guard against the impression of impropriety to the public is paramount in decisions concerning gifts. Opinions from the medical and pharmaceutical professions are explored to glean criteria that have applicability to physical therapy. These criteria are presented in the form of questions that may be helpful for physical therapists.