Members of the Canadian Physiotherapy Association are expected to abide by the Association's Code of Ethics and Rules of Conduct.

A Code of Ethics formulated and accepted by a professional association sets forth the ethical principles governing the conduct of that association's members. Such a Code must reflect societal ethics of the time as well as the value systems and moral principles of the members as a collective group.

The Code of Ethics and Rules of Conduct of the CPA stress the necessity for each physiotherapist to act with integrity, accountability and judgment in the best interests of the client, society and the profession. Implied, also, is the responsibility to recognize the scope of practice of the profession and personal limitations.

Members of the Canadian Physiotherapy Association recognize their opportunity to practice as a privilege granted by society. This privilege carries with it the need and responsibility to define broadly a limited range of behaviours acceptable to the CPA in providing a service to clients and to society. The Code of Ethics and Rules of Conduct can provide guidance, but cannot offer definitive resolutions to all ethical questions and dilemmas that might arise during professional practice. The enforcement of these behaviours, which are based on ethical obligations, protects clients, services society and maintains the principles of the profession.

Differences of opinion as to what constitutes ethical behaviour are inevitable. Such differences must be respected as much as possible. In addition, society and the practice of physiotherapy are sufficiently complex and changing that situations posing ethical dilemmas and questions not covered in the Code will inevitably arise. In such situations, it is the duty of each member to act in an ethically responsible manner. Flexibility allows members the freedom to exercise discretionary judgment while imposing on them a greater measure of accountability. Nevertheless, the CPA retains the right and responsibility to interpret the Code of Ethics and Rules of Conduct, and to discipline any member who is found to have violated its provisions. (June 1989)