Your Rights as a Patient

As a patient seeking treatment from a physiotherapist, you have rights about what to expect while in their care.

Those rights include:

• the delivery of safe, effective and ethical care
• the right to confidentiality
• the right to informed consent about the type of treatment you will receive and your treatment options
• the right to give permission before treatment or refuse treatment you are not comfortable with
• the right to be asked for and give your ongoing agreement for the care plan
• the right to talk with other health professionals about your care when needed
• the right to be treated with respect and courtesy

As a patient and partner in care, your physiotherapist will ask you to:

• Feel free to ask questions and share your concerns
• Following through on the goals that you and your physiotherapist agree upon
• Provide correct and up-to-date information
• Respect other patients and staff where you receive care
• Follow the policies that relate to your care, such as attending sessions, paying fees, and washing your hands before treatment 

What if you have a concern?

If you have had a bad experience with your physiotherapist or the care you have received, you have the right to file a formal complaint with the College.

Questions? Contact the Patient and Caregiver Help Team

The College provides free, confidential advice to patients who are considering physiotherapy or receiving treatment. We cannot give health advice, but we can answer many other questions. For example, contact is if:

• You have questions about what you can expect during your first physiotherapy appointment
• You want to know your rights as a patient
• You are feeling uncertain about any part of the treatment you have received
• You think you may need help from another type of health professional