Updated information for physiotherapists has become available about their ongoing obligations for initial and ongoing registration, and questions they may have about animal physiotherapy.

The Physiotherapy Board of Australia (the Board) has published updated frequently asked questions (FAQ) on common queries that physiotherapists might have about their obligations under the Health Practitioner National Law, as in force in each state and territory (the National Law).

Physiotherapists should not give the impression that under the National Law, and when registered with the Board, they are qualified and trained to practise on animals.

Practitioners meet their regulatory obligations through practice related to humans so they continue to meet the registration requirements to register with the Board, particularly in recency of practice, continuing professional development and professional indemnity insurance arrangements.

Though the National Law does not extend to practice on animals, and relates to human patient care, the FAQs provide information about title protections, registration standards and advertising requirements associated with animal practice.

The definition of practice (relating to human patient care) set by the Board is defined as:

‘Practice’ can be any role, whether paid or not, in which you use your skills and knowledge as a physiotherapist. Practice is not restricted to the provision of direct clinical care. It can include working in a direct non- clinical relationship with patients, working in management, administration, education research, advisory, regulatory or policy development roles, and any other roles that impact on the safe, effective delivery of physiotherapy services to the public.

Read the FAQ on animal physiotherapy on the Board’s website here.