Professional Practice | The College of Physical Therapists of Alberta

Member tools and resources This section contains important information, tools and resources to help support the delivery of safe, competent and professional physical therapy services, best practice and quality patient care.

Required Behaviour (Mandatory)	Practice standards – minimum practice requirements /expectations and the reference for reasonable, competent practice. They apply to all physical therapists at all times. Standards are listed separately on the right or you can download a PDF with all 12 plus introduction and glossary. Code of ethics – ethical principles, values and conduct required/expected for acceptable physical therapy practice. The code is also used to evaluate performance. The code is currently incorporated into Section 13 of the Physical Therapy Profession Act General Regulation. A new, stand alone code is under development in preparation for physical therapy's transition to Alberta Health Professions Act. Legislation – affecting the practice of physical therapy in Alberta.	Standards: 1. Patient autonomy 2. Fiduciary responsibility and professional integrity 3. Ensure patient safety 4. Appropriate physical therapy assessment 5. Physical therapy diagnosis 6. Establish treatment plan 7. Explain outcome 8. Implement treatment plan 9. Evaluate treatment response 10. Respect confidential personal/health information 11. Communicate effectively 12. Deliver effective evidence-based service Legislation • Physical Therapy Profession Act • General regulation • Radiation Protection Act • Diagnostic Treatment Protocols ˗ PT IMC register • Privacy –FOIP, HIA, PIPA, PIPEDA • Mandatory reporting – Child, Youth & Family Enhancement Act & Protection for Persons in Care Act
Desired Behaviour	Guidelines – while not mandatory, many directly relate to and support practice standards. Guidelines are strongly encouraged to promote best practice, support prudent, quality practice and enhance the delivery of physical therapy services to patients.	• Leaving/relocating • Informed consent • Third party requests • Referring for physician consultation guideline
Resources and Member Support	The College provides/publishes information, advice and tools to support best practice and enhance the delivery of physical therapy services to patients. Click here to view/access these tools and resources including College position statements, competency profiles, College Callings etc.	• Parking placards Guides • Supervision • Challenging situations • Privacy guide • Therapeutic relations