Across the healthcare landscape, few professions are as intimately connected with the physical and emotional wellbeing of patients as that of physiotherapy. 

Physiotherapists are respected and entrusted with providing care for individuals dealing with a wide range of physical conditions and injuries, often during some of the most vulnerable moments in their lives.

Upholding that trust and respect, which our members deeply value, for the profession as a whole is our collective responsibility. 

The APA provides a framework to support members to clearly understand the principles, values and standards of behaviour expected from APA members and to maintain the confidence of our many stakeholders. 

The APA member code of conduct is a fundamental pillar in this framework. 

Having been last revised in 2017, it was due for an update to ensure that it is fit for purpose now and in the immediate future.

What’s changing?
The APA has thoroughly reviewed and refined the whole code of conduct to ensure that it provides clear guidance for all members and reflects the behaviour expected of our profession.

While much of the code is unchanged and continues to reflect the ethical principles and values expected of members, two new sections have been added—guidance on the conduct and behaviour expected of members and information on disciplinary action in the case of noncompliance with the code.

Conduct and behaviour
Members must:
•    act in the APA’s best interests
•    act with a high degree of professionalism, integrity and mutual respect
•    refrain from engaging in any conduct that might damage the APA’s reputation
•    refrain from bullying, harassment or other inappropriate behaviour towards another member or staff
•    use their position at the APA and the APA’s resources in a responsible manner
•    fully cooperate with any investigation by the board of the National Professional Standards Panel into any breach of this code
•    comply with any applicable APA policies
•    remain free of any charges, alleged conduct or action bringing yourself, the Association, its members or the physiotherapy profession into disrepute
•    act honestly
•    interact with other members and staff in a constructive manner
•    behave professionally towards other members, stakeholders and staff
•    treat people fairly, with dignity, courtesy and respect, objectively and without bullying, harassment or other inappropriate behaviour
•    not ignore actual or perceived behaviour or conduct that may be in breach of this code but act in good faith to overtly identify and report any such behaviour.

Disciplinary action
Failure to adhere to the standards in this code may have consequences for a member. 

If a member engages in misconduct, disciplinary action may commence under regulation 33 of the National Professional Standards Panel regulations—management of complaints about members.

The Board may, at its sole discretion, suspend the membership of any member pending a decision by the Board if they are in breach of the constitution or this code of conduct or bring the APA, its members or the physiotherapy profession into disrepute.

What’s next?
The new code of conduct will come into effect on 1 January 2024. 

All members are requested to read the complete member code of conduct, which can be found on our website, and will be required to indicate their understanding and acceptance of the code when renewing their membership for 2024.

We thank you for your ongoing commitment to your membership and to upholding the highest of standards in our profession. 

We encourage you to reach out to us with any questions you may have regarding these updates.