Before agreeing to take on a job as a physiotherapist, it is essential you make sure the employer/clinic owner will allow you to meet your professional obligations.
This checklist captures a number of professional obligations you should consider before signing a new employment contract. Remember, it is your responsibility as a PT to ensure you have adequate liability insurance. Do not rely on your employer to arrange this for you.
If you need additional information or have specific questions about starting a new job, contact the Practice Advisors at practiceadvice@collegept.org or 1-800-583-5885 ext. 241. They are happy to chat with you about it.
Fees, Billing and Accounts
Be certain the employer understands your name and registration number can only be used for billing when you, or someone under your supervision, have provided physiotherapy services.
Ensure you have access to billings that include your name, professional title and registration number.
Ensure a written fee schedule exists for each funding stream that the clinic accepts and that it contains the required components. See the Fees, Billing and Accounts Standard for fee schedule requirements.
Be certain the billing system in place allows you to provide an itemized account for services and/or products if a patient or payer requests one.
Record Keeping and Privacy
Ensure you understand the requirements of the Record Keeping Standard for clinical and financial records.
Confirm with the employer if you will be the Health Information Custodian (HIC) or an agent of the HIC, and ensure you have this information in writing. Both you and the employer should understand the obligations of the HIC and the agent of the HIC.
Be aware of where clinical and financial records of patients will be kept and ensure they are secured.
Be certain that patients will be able to access their clinical and financial records upon request within the record retention period.
Understand the procedures in place at the clinic for release of personal health information of patients in accordance with the Personal Health Information Protection Act (PHIPA).
Working with Physiotherapist Assistants (PTAs)
Talk with your employer about your obligations when supervising and assigning care to PTAs, as described in the Working with Physiotherapists Assistants Standard. As the supervising physiotherapist, you are always responsible for the care delivered by a PTA under your supervision.
Ensure you understand your responsibilities as a supervisor, which includes actively monitoring the competency of PTAs under your supervision and generating a written communication plan.
Be certain there is another physiotherapist that PTAs under your supervision can contact if you cannot be reached.
Ensure the billing system in place allows for the names and job titles of PTAs to appear on patient invoices.
Infection Control and Equipment Maintenance
Talk with the employer about the clinic’s infection prevention and control measures and ensure you can meet the expectations of the Infection Control and Equipment Maintenance Standard.
Advertising
Review the facility’s advertisements and ensure all advertisements about physiotherapy services meet the College’s Advertising Standard. If they do not, discuss the changes required to meet the expectations with the employer.
College Requirements
Obtain liability insurance that meets the requirements of the College. This includes having tail insurance that provides coverage for incidents occurring during your physiotherapy practice as well as coverage for claims made up to 10 years after you stop practicing.
Be certain you are rostered for any controlled acts you will be performing and for supervising PTAs (if applicable).
Once you have accepted the job, update your information in the PT Portal or notify the College of your job change within 30 days. Contact the Registration Team at registration@collegept.org.
Additional Considerations
Do your research on the employer/clinic to make sure that they are reputable. Working for disreputable employers may impact your relationship with insurance providers. Be sure to do an internet search of any employer you are considering working for as well.
Know your employment status and its implications – are you an employee or self-employed? Please see advice from the Canada Revenue Agency.
Understand you can negotiate clauses in a contract and seek professional advice from a lawyer on verbal and written agreements or contracts between you and the employer. Apply caution and ask clarifying questions if an employer directs how you should practice (e.g., selling products, making referrals, assigning care).
Physiotherapists are required to have certain written policies and procedures in place to help manage things like adverse events, fees, and communication with PTAs. Download and review the Policies and Procedures Checklist to make sure you have everything in place.