This standard came into effect on August 1, 2024.

It requires physiotherapists to communicate professionally, clearly, effectively, and in a timely
manner to support and promote quality physiotherapy services.

Top five highlights from the Communication Standard: 

1. Avoid disrespectful, dishonest, or misleading communication.
2. Engage in active listening.
3. Communicate with everyone in the circle of care, including patients, team members, and
caregivers.
4. Maintain patient confidentiality.
5. Document all communications accurately, clearly, professionally, and in a timely manner. 

Our 2023-2024 Annual Report is now available.

Over the past year, the College has worked hard to deliver on our mission to serve the public
interest. Here's some of what we've accomplished:

• Scaled the Ontario Clinical Exam up to four administrations per year to continue to ensure a
  smooth path to licensure
• Released new resources to support physiotherapists, including six e-learning modules
  focused on transitioning to practice in Ontario
• Developed an Equity, Diversity and Inclusion strategy to guide future work
• Continued to collaborate and do outreach with physiotherapists, the public and system
  partners

In 2009, the Ontario government expanded physiotherapy scope of practice to include ordering
diagnostic imaging and laboratory tests. However, the government never created the regulations
that would allow physiotherapists to actually do this.

The Ontario Physiotherapy Association (OPA) is inviting PTs to participate in a survey that will
inform the association's submission to the province on this issue.

Specifically, the survey seeks to learn about:

• Current practices of physiotherapists relating to ordering diagnostic imaging and laboratory
  tests
• Physiotherapists' attitudes towards implementation of scope of practice changes to permit
  these activities

November marks the start of respiratory illness season in Ontario, when pathogens like influenza,
respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) and COVID-19 circulate in higher numbers.

In this month's blog, we go over some resources and guidance to help you protect yourself, your
patients and your colleagues.

Consultations are now open for the following proposed standards:

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