Perspectives
Reading Perspectives is the best way to stay up to date with news and updates from the College. It’s also packed full of helpful resources for physiotherapists.
Subscribe using the form at the bottom of this page.
For more information, please contact communications@collegept.org
New Standards, Effective November 1, 2025
The following new standards have been approved by the College Board of Directors and will go into effect on November 1, 2025:
These updated requirements must be followed by all physiotherapists and physiotherapist residents. Please take some time to read the new standards and ensure you’re familiar with them.
If you have any questions, our Practice Advice Team is here to help. Like with past batches of new standards, we’ll send you another email on October 31 with the top five highlights from each.
You’re Invited to Our New Standards Webinar!
November 12, 12-1 p.m.
We’re back with another edition of our New Standards Webinar Series. Attendance at the last three sessions has been great and we’re looking forward to another engaging discussion.
The November 12 webinar will cover the fourth group of new standards:
Bring your questions and join members of the College’s Practice Advice and Policy teams as they break down how these standards apply in practice.
Pre-registration is required.
Blog: Understanding and Managing Power Imbalances
Physiotherapists hold a position of power in therapeutic relationships with patients. Understanding this dynamic is essential to providing safe and collaborative care.
In this blog post, we’ll explore why power imbalances exist and share strategies for how physiotherapists can share power with patients. Learn how small changes in communication and awareness can foster trust and improve patient outcomes.
Case of the Month: Hands Off Care Doesn’t Work
A patient is left confused about who’s providing their care and a clinical record is incomplete.
In a new case of the month we explore the impact of inadequate supervision and look at what can happen when documentation falls short.
Featured Standard: Boundary Violations
This standard will come into effect on November 1, 2025. Together with the new Sexual Abuse Standard, it replaces the existing Boundaries and Sexual Abuse Standard.
The Boundary Violations Standard requires physiotherapists act with integrity and establish and maintain appropriate professional boundaries (including social, physical, or psychological boundaries) with patients, colleagues, supervisees, and others.
Top five highlights from the Boundary Violations Standard:
- Maintain Boundaries in Every Professional Relationship
Physiotherapists must establish and uphold appropriate social, physical, and psychological boundaries in all professional interactions. Doing so protects patient dignity, ensures respect, and preserves trust in the therapeutic relationship.
- Respect the Patient’s Individual Boundaries
Know that every patient’s comfort level may be different depending on things like their culture, age, values, and personal experiences. Be mindful of circumstances that could affect their care, be attentive to their cues, and offer appropriate supports, such as inviting a support person when needed.
- Know Your Professional Limits and When Not to Treat
Only provide care when you can maintain professional boundaries, sound clinical judgement, and objectivity with that person. A therapeutic relationship must not begin, or must be discontinued, if these cannot be established or maintained within the context of your practice.
- Informed Consent Requires Good Communication
Clearly explain planned procedures in a way that respects boundaries and involves the patient in their care. Obtain the patient’s informed consent directly and address any barriers to consent that might arise.
- Address and Resolve Boundary Issues Appropriately
If a boundary is crossed, it must be managed in a timely and professional manner. This includes discussing the concern, taking steps to resolve the issue, documenting the actions taken, and, when necessary, discontinuing or transferring care.
Make sure you’ve reviewed the full Boundary Violations Standard.
Myth vs Fact
Physiotherapists should act on the first sign of a boundary violation in a therapeutic relationship.
Is this a myth or a fact?
Practice Advice Question
What is considered a boundary violation? What are some common examples?
Join Us In-Person or Virtually for The PT Exchange
Don’t forget to register for one of our upcoming events in partnership with the Ontario Physiotherapy Association.
Join Craig Roxborough, Registrar and CEO of the College of Physiotherapists of Ontario and Sarah Hutchison, CEO of the Ontario Physiotherapy Association for an interactive discussion. Get updates about the organizations, learn about upcoming priorities, and have your say with a chance to get your questions answered.
Here’s when and where you can join us:
- Ottawa – Wednesday, November 5 from 6 to 8 p.m.
- Brampton – Wednesday, November 19 from 6 to 8 p.m.
- Virtual (attend from anywhere) – Thursday, January 22 from 6:30 to 8 p.m.
- Sudbury – Wednesday, April 8 from 6 to 8 p.m.
Coffee, tea and cookies will be served at all in-person events. We appreciate you pre-registering to help us plan accordingly.
Welcome New Registrants
The College would like to welcome our newly registered physiotherapists.
Share Your Thoughts