Physiotherapists must adhere to the same ethical principles and standards enforced by the relevant regulatory bodies that apply for face to face methods. It is important to determine the most appropriate patients; develop rapport and trust with these patients; and continue the delivery of safe, effective and high quality care through Telehealth. Professional codes of conduct such as those dictated by the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Authority (AHPRA) apply for telehealth as with face to face physiotherapy services. As such, practitioners must adhere to all state and territory legislative, privacy and confidentiality and scope of practice requirements.
Patients must thoroughly understand the telehealth procedure of care and consent to all of its components. Physiotherapists should have appropriate technical and administrative support to ensure a pleasant and productive experience for patients.
Both AHPRA and the Australian Physiotherapy Association have provided us with advice information on legal requirements for telehealth.
Click on each of the logo below to read what they said.
