APA Code of Conduct 2008

The APA Code of Conduct is one of the most important determinants of professional and ethical conduct for the physiotherapy profession in Australia. The Code of Conduct is a guiding document developed by physiotherapists for physiotherapists with the health consumer at the forefront. It is a public statement about professional accountability and is binding on all members of the Australian Physiotherapy Association.

Review process

The APA National Professional Standards Panel engaged in widespread review and consultation during the review of the Code of Conduct. From this review, the Panel identified contemporary issues within the physiotherapy profession and the external environment likely to have an impact on the professional conduct of Australian physiotherapists over the next decade. These issues include:

• rights and needs of physiotherapy consumers
• informed consent
• personal responsibility for an individual’s psychological and physical well-being
• physiotherapists working with assistants or other support workers
• extended scope physiotherapy
• telehealth
• APA specialisation process
• business considerations
• mentoring and supervising
• general obligations of being a professional.

The Panel also considered how the Code would apply to the three types of APA members – physiotherapists, physiotherapy students, and physiotherapy assistants – as well as the language and format of the Code.

Other resources on ethical and professional issues

APA members are encouraged to seek additional information from:

• Australian Charter of Health Care Rights
• APA Standards for Physiotherapy Practices (8th edition)
• APA patient brochure on complaints
• APA brochure on complaints management
• APA position statements
• Physiotherapists Registration Boards
• Health Complaints Commissioners
• Consumer bodies.

Download the APA Code of Conduct.