This table is a summary of some of the standards and rules that apply when providing care in settings such as home care, private practice or a mobile practice and is designed to assist you when opening a practice. It is not meant to replace your review of the full standards.
| Name of Policy | What is it? | Required to be written? | Required for QA Assessment? | Examples of what should be included | Related Resources |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Privacy | How you will ensure privacy/keep patient personal health information safe | Yes — Personal Health Information Protection Act (PHIPA), 16(1) | No | Who is the Health Information Custodian (HIC) How personal health information will be safeguarded How to access a copy of a health record What to do in case of a privacy breach | A Guide to PHIPA — Form 1: Sample Written Public Statement, page 28 Privacy Management Handbook for Small Health Care Organizations |
| Management of Adverse Events and Patient Safety Concerns | How to manage adverse events that may occur because of controlled acts you are rostered for How to manage safety events that could happen in your clinic | Yes — Controlled Acts and Restricted Activities requires a management plan for any adverse events related to the rostered activity A management plan for general patient safety concerns is recommended, but not required | Yes, but only the management plan for adverse events linked to rostered activities | How you will manage adverse events that could occur as a result of a controlled act — e.g. spinal manipulation What to do if a patient sustains a burn How to manage a slip and fall in your clinic | Risk Management Resource: Patient Safety Adverse Events Rostered Activities QA Checklist Critical Incident Reports |
| Infection Control | The infection control policies for your workplace | No, but recommended — Infection Control Standard | What is the cleaning schedule What types of PPE (personal protective equipment) are to be worn Are patients screened for active viral symptoms | IPAC Guidelines — Performing a Risk Assessment Public Health Ontario — Routine Practice Factsheet | |
| Equipment Maintenance | How equipment is inspected and maintained for patient safety | No, but recommended — Risk Management and Safety Standard | What is the schedule for modalities to be serviced Where are equipment service manuals found A record of when equipment is maintained and what is done | Equipment Maintenance FAQs | |
| Communication Plan for Physiotherapist Assistants (PTAs) | The plan for communication between the PTA and the supervising physiotherapist | Yes — Supervision Standard | Yes | How and when the PT will discuss patient care with the physiotherapist assistant How the PTA can contact the physiotherapist How the PTA can contact the alternate supervisor if the physiotherapist cannot be reached | Sample Written Communication Protocols PTA Communication Plan QA checklist |
| Billing Review | Method the physiotherapist will use to review the accuracy of billing that uses their registration number | No, but recommended — Funding, Fees and Billing Standard | No | This review process should ensure that: Any fees charged are accurate and reasonable Billings or accounts are accurate | Create a Process for Reviewing Your Billing |
| Fee Schedule | A written list of all services offered at workplace and their costs | Yes — Funding, Fees and Billing Standard | No | The Fee Schedule must include the cost of: • Assessment and treatment fees • Reports and fees for copies of patient records • Equipment and any additional fees • Fees and policies related to bundled physiotherapy services • Cancellation or late fees and interest charges Refund policies | Funding, Fees and Billing Resources |