Practice Directions / Policies

Practice Directions are one component of a continuum of documents including the legislation, codes of ethics, guidelines, essential competencies, and entry-to-practice milestones which direct the practice of professionals to provide quality care. In the physiotherapy profession, each regulatory organization in Canada has its own set of standards/practice directions and code of ethics. In 2016, a set of Model Standards of Practice were developed to reflect current and future practice trends and to be generally applicable to all physiotherapists in Canada. These have been updated in 2023, and the College has used these Model Standards of Practice as a foundation to update the relevant Practice Directions.

Purpose of Practice Directions

Practice Directions serve several purposes, including:

Providing a reference to the public related to expectations for quality care delivered by professionals.

Defining the minimum performance expectations that regulated members of the profession must meet. Standards inform physiotherapists of the expectations, obligations, and requirements of their professional role.

Fulfilling the requirements for self-regulation and providing a frame of reference for regulatory organizations against which actual performance can be compared for quality practice.