Perspectives: January 2026 Issue

New Supervision Standard – Effective February 1

The updated Supervision Standard will come into effect on February 1, 2026.

This standard replaces the Working with Physiotherapist Assistants Standard and the existing Supervision Standard.

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

While these highlights provide a helpful at-a-glance look at the key elements of the standard, all physiotherapists and PT residents are encouraged to read the standard in full to understand the complete scope of the requirements.

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

Top Five Highlights from the Supervision Standard

1. Patient consent is essential

Always get informed consent from patients for services delivered by supervisees. Clearly explain to patients the roles and responsibilities of all supervisees involved in their care.

2. Supervision must match the clinical context

Tailor your supervision approach and the tasks you assign to the patient’s needs, the supervisee’s competence, your own competence, any risks identified, and the practice environment. Reassess these factors on an ongoing basis and adjust your approach accordingly.

3. Different supervisees, different rules

Ensure your supervision aligns with the distinct roles, responsibilities, and scopes of practice associated with the type of supervisee that you oversee. Physiotherapist assistants (PTAs), for example, are subject to different safeguards and restrictions than physiotherapy students and physiotherapist residents.

4. Be cautious with controlled acts

Only delegate controlled acts that you are rostered and competent to perform. Different supervisees are authorized to perform different controlled acts, so make sure you are permitted to delegate the act to that particular supervisee.

5. You are always accountable for supervisee services

You are responsible and accountable for physiotherapy services provided by individuals working under your supervision.

Make sure you’ve reviewed the full Supervision Standard.

Webinar: New Standards, Your Questions Answered

Thursday, January 29, 12 to 1 p.m.

You’re invited to the fifth edition of our New Standards Webinar Series!

This webinar will cover:

• Supervision Standard
• Boundary Violations Standard
• Sexual Abuse Standard

Bring your questions and join members of the College’s Practice Advice and Policy teams as they share highlights from these standards and break down how they apply in practice.

Pre-registration is required.

Fitness Goals and Physiotherapy: Where is the Line?

For many, a new year means a renewed focus on health and fitness goals.

Whether it’s building muscle, losing weight or training for a big race, January has many people hitting the gym – and some turning to physiotherapy.

But is it a physiotherapist’s job to help a patient meet their new year’s resolutions?

In a new blog post we look at where physiotherapy fits into helping patients reach their health goals – and where it’s outside your scope of practice and could cross the line into personal training.

Case of the Month: Don’t Ignore Your Professional Responsibilities

Being a physiotherapist comes with responsibilities – both to the public and the profession.

These include replying to inquiries from the College within a reasonable timeframe and completing mandatory activities like quality assurance and Professional Issues Self Assessment (PISA).

In a new Case of the Month, we look at what happens when a physiotherapist ignores their obligations.