As a member of the Canadian Physiotherapy Association, Dalhousie's School of Physiotherapy abides by the Code of Ethics and Rules of Conduct as set out by the Canadian Physiotherapy Association.
The Code of Ethics and Rules of Conduct of the CPA stress the necessity for each physiotherapist to act with integrity, accountability and judgment in the best interests of the client, society and the profession. Implied, also, is the responsibility to recognize the scope of practice of the profession and personal limitations.
The Nova Scotia College of Physiotherapists Code of Ethics [PDF - 150kB] states: "Physiotherapists are committed to practice with competence, to act with integrity, to honour the right and dignity of all individuals and to recognize their responsibility to society while acting in the public interest."
The provision of effective quality care, while respecting the rights of the client, shall be the primary consideration of each member of the profession.
Physiotherapists shall respect the client's rights, dignity, needs, wishes and values.
Physiotherapists may not refuse care to any client on grounds of race, religion, ethnic or national origin, age, sex, sexual orientation, social or health status.
Physiotherapists must respect the client's or surrogate's right to be informed about the effects of treatment and inherent risks.
Physiotherapists must give clients or surrogates the opportunity to consent to or decline treatment or alterations in the treatment regime.
Physiotherapists shall confine themselves to clinical diagnosis and management in those aspects of physiotherapy in which they have been educated and which are recognized by the profession. (Physiotherapists are responsible for recognizing and practising within their levels of competence. The clinical diagnosis is established by taking a history and conducting a physical and functional examination. The identification of the client's problems and the physiotherapeutic management is based on this diagnosis in conjunction with an understanding of pertinent biopsychosocial factors. This rule does not restrict the expansion of the scope of physiotherapy practice.)
Physiotherapists shall assume full responsibility for all care they provide.
Physiotherapists shall not treat clients when the medical diagnosis or clinical condition indicates that the commencement or continuation of physiotherapy is not warranted or is contraindicated.
Physiotherapists shall request consultation with, or refer clients to, colleagues or members of other health professions when, in the opinion of the physiotherapist, such action is in the best interest of the client.
Physiotherapists shall document the client's history and relevant subjective information, the physiotherapist's objective findings, clinical diagnosis, treatment plan and procedures, explanation to the client, progress notes and discharge summary.
Physiotherapists shall respect all client information as confidential. Such information shall not be communicated to any person without the consent of the client or surrogate except when required by law.
Physiotherapists, with the client's or surrogate's consent, may delegate specific aspects of the care of that client to a person deemed by the physiotherapist to be competent to carry out the care safely and effectively.
Physiotherapists are responsible for all duties they delegate to personnel under their supervision.
Physiotherapists shall recognize their responsibility to improve standards of health care.
Physiotherapists shall comply with all laws and regulations pertaining to the practice of physiotherapy.
Physiotherapists shall report, to the appropriate authorities, any member of the profession who appears to be incompetent or whose conduct while practising as a physiotherapist appears to be unethical or illegal.
Where a direct fee is charged, physiotherapists shall inform clients, in advance, of the fee which will be commensurate with the service provided.
Members shall abide by the policies of the Association and support its mission.
Physiotherapists shall conduct themselves in such a manner as to merit the respect of society for the profession and its members.
Physiotherapists shall engage in continuing education for growth and development.
Physiotherapists shall advance the science of physiotherapy by sharing relevant information and by supporting, or engaging in, research activities.
Physiotherapists shall be responsible for ensuring that research protocols respect the rights of research subjects and are in compliance with standards accepted by the scientific community.
Physiotherapists shall be willing and diligent preceptors in the education of physiotherapy students.
Physiotherapists shall ensure that their professional judgment and integrity are not compromised by the motives of profit.
Physiotherapists shall enter into contracts and agreements only when professional integrity can be maintained.
Physiotherapists shall ensure that any advertising of their services is accurate, verifiable and acceptable according to the legal, social and professional norms of the times, and does not bring the profession into disrepute.
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