Ethics and Ethical Standards for Physiotherapists is a CPD course designed for physiotherapists practising in New Zealand who want to strengthen ethical decision-making, professional integrity, and safe patient care. It is particularly relevant for practitioners facing complaints, competence concerns, or fitness to practise processes under the Health Practitioners Competence Assurance Act 2003 and oversight from the Physiotherapy Board of New Zealand, but is equally valuable for physiotherapists seeking to embed high ethical standards into everyday clinical practice.

The course explores the core ethical principles underpinning physiotherapy practice, 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 rehabilitation, managing patient expectations, maintaining professional boundaries during hands-on treatment, and ensuring accurate documentation. Key ethical risks in physiotherapy — including over-treatment, delegation and supervision concerns, poor communication, and risk management failures — are explored alongside their professional and regulatory implications within the New Zealand context.

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, physiotherapists will be better equipped to maintain competence, uphold public trust, and practise safely and ethically in accordance with New Zealand regulatory standards.