Ethics and Ethical Standards for Osteopaths

Ethics and Ethical Standards for Osteopaths is a CPD course designed for osteopaths practising in Australia who want to strengthen ethical decision-making, professional integrity, and safe patient care. It is particularly relevant for practitioners facing notifications, complaints, or fitness to practise processes through Ahpra and the Osteopathy Board of Australia, but is equally valuable for those seeking to embed high ethical standards into everyday osteopathic practice.

The course explores the core ethical principles underpinning osteopathy, including autonomy, beneficence, non-maleficence, justice, and professional integrity. Participants will examine how these principles apply in real-world situations such as obtaining informed consent for manual therapy, maintaining appropriate physical and professional boundaries, managing patient expectations, and ensuring honest, evidence-based communication. Common ethical concerns in osteopathic practice — including over-servicing, misleading claims, boundary issues, and inadequate documentation — are addressed alongside their professional and regulatory implications.

Through practical case-based learning, reflective exercises, and structured guidance, participants will develop the skills to navigate ethical dilemmas confidently, respond appropriately to concerns or complaints, and demonstrate insight, reflection, and remediation where required. By the end of this course, osteopaths will be better equipped to meet professional expectations, maintain public trust, and sustain safe, ethical practice aligned with Australian regulatory standards.