Highlights from New Standards (Group 5)

This is a reminder that the latest group of new standards will come into effect on November 1, 2025.

All physiotherapists and PT residents must follow the updated requirements as of November 1.

To support you in understanding the requirements and expectations, we have included key highlights from both standards below.

While these highlights provide a helpful at-a-glance look at what’s new or notable, all physiotherapists and PT residents are encouraged to read the standards in full to understand the complete scope of the new requirements. 

As always, we’re here to support you in the delivery of high-quality care. If you have any questions, you are welcome to contact the Practice Advisors at advice@collegept.org or 1-800-583-5885 ext. 241.

Boundary Violations Standard 

1. 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.

2. 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.

3. 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.

4. 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.

5. 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.

Sexual Abuse Standard 

1. Sexual Abuse is Never Acceptable

Physiotherapists must never engage in any form of sexual abuse of a patient. In the context of patient care, sexual abuse includes all forms of initiating, engaging in, or attempting to establish a sexual or intimate relationship with a patient, as well as any sexual remarks or behaviours.

2. Don’t Treat Your Spouse or Sexual Partner

Physiotherapists cannot treat someone they are in a sexual relationship with, including a spouse. The only exception is in an emergency or if the service is minor in nature. No fees can be charged in either case.

3. Ending Treatment Doesn’t End the Patient Relationship

Know that an individual remains a patient for at least one year after active treatment ends, and that the therapeutic relationship may last longer if there is an ongoing power imbalance or patient dependence. During this time, you must continue to uphold all professional boundaries, and all protections against sexual abuse remain in effect.

4. Communicate Clearly About Sensitive Treatments

If a treatment involves areas that could be perceived as sexual in nature, you must explain what will be done, why it is necessary, and how the patient’s privacy will be respected. Obtain the patient’s informed consent and encourage an open discussion of any concerns.

5. Understand and Meet Your Reporting Obligations

If you have reasonable grounds to believe another regulated health professional has sexually abused a patient, you are legally required to report it to the appropriate regulator.