Ethics and Ethical Standards for Osteopaths is a CPD course designed for osteopaths practising in New Zealand who want to strengthen ethical awareness, professional integrity, and patient-centred care. It is particularly relevant for practitioners facing complaints, competence concerns, or fitness to practise processes, but is equally valuable for those seeking to maintain high ethical standards in everyday osteopathic practice.

The course explores the core principles of ethical osteopathic care, including autonomy, beneficence, non-maleficence, justice, confidentiality, and cultural safety. Participants will align their practice with expectations set by the Osteopathic Council of New Zealand and the Health Practitioners Competence Assurance Act 2003, with a strong focus on consent, professional boundaries, communication, and scope of practice. Common ethical risks — including boundary concerns, inadequate consent, over-treatment, and poor documentation — are examined alongside their professional and regulatory consequences.

Through case-based learning, reflective tools, and practical strategies, participants will develop the skills to manage ethical dilemmas, respond constructively to complaints, and demonstrate insight, reflection, and remediation. Cultural safety, including Māori health perspectives and Te Tiriti o Waitangi principles, is integrated throughout to ensure care is equitable, respectful, and aligned with New Zealand healthcare expectations.