CODE OF CONDUCT

Range Physio Code of Conduct

1. Purpose of the Code

Range Physiotherapy (Range) is committed to providing a safe, respectful, and professional environment for all staff, clients, contractors, and visitors. This Code of Conduct describes what that commitment looks like in practice. The Code applies across all settings: in-clinic appointments, home visits, phone and online contact, and any other interaction connected to our services.

Our registered health practitioners are bound by AHPRA standards and a shared Code of Conduct. This Code works alongside the professional obligations that apply to our registered health practitioners – it does not replace them.

2. Our shared values and behavioural standards

We are committed to an environment that is safe, respectful, and free from harm. This means everyone connected to Range (staff, clients, contractors and visitors) has a shared responsibility for building a culture of respect.

We have zero tolerance for the following conduct by anyone engaging with Range:

• sexual harassment including any unwelcome behaviour of a sexual nature (sexually suggestive comments, jokes, staring or questions)
• unwelcome or inappropriate physical contact
• discrimination based on sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, race, disability, age, religion, or any other protected attribute
• intimidating, aggressive, threatening, or abusive conduct of any kind, and
• behaviour that places the health, wellbeing or safety of children or young people under 18 years old at risk.

3. Range staff responsibilities

Range staff and health practitioners uphold the values of the Australian physiotherapy association; Respect, Build trust, Collaborate, Continuously improve and Use healthcare resources wisely. You can expect staff and health practitioners to:

1. treat you with respect whatever your culture, beliefs and choices
2. provide culturally safe care if you are an Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander person
3. maintain your privacy and confidentiality and keep records about your care
4. listen to you and give you information about your health in a way you understand
5. respect individual rights and autonomy by obtaining informed consent before treatment, including explaining the nature and purpose of any physical contact involved in clinical assessment or care
6. help you to get the care that you need
7. explain if things go wrong and work with you to fix them
8. work respectfully with others to help get the best outcome for you
9. work to keep you and the community healthy
10. put your safety first and reduce risks by working in their area of expertise and staying up to date with knowledge and skills
11. be honest, trustworthy and behave professionally
12. support students and practitioners being mentored to provide you with safe and effective healthcare, and
13. recognise the importance of evidence-based and ethical research in your healthcare.

4. Client and third-party responsibilities

Clients, visitors, parents, guardians, and support persons are expected to:

• Adhere to our behavioural standards and engage with staff, practitioners, clients and third parties respectfully and courteously
• Follow reasonable directions from staff and comply with Range policies and procedures
• Respect the privacy of others within the clinic environment
• Use clinic facilities safely and appropriately

5. Reporting concerns

If you experience or witness behaviour inconsistent with this Code, we encourage you to speak with a member of our Leadership team. All reports will be handled confidentially and respectfully, and you will not be disadvantaged for raising a genuine concern.

Physiotherapists and Podiatrists are registered health practitioners. Any person may also raise a concern about a registered practitioner directly with the Australia Health Practitioner Regulation Authority (AHPRA).

6. Consequences for breaching this Code

Clients and third parties: Failure to comply with this Code may result in a written or verbal warning, immediate termination of a consultation or treatment, refusal of future appointments, removal from the premises, or reporting to relevant authorities.

Staff and contractors: Failure to comply with the Code of Conduct may lead to action under relevant contracts, industrial instruments, performance management or misconduct processes.

7. Acknowledgment

By engaging with our services, clients and other third parties agree to comply with this Code of Conduct. Our staff agree to comply with this Code of Conduct through their contract of engagement.

References

Australian Physiotherapy Association (APA) Code of Conduct
https://australian.physio/sites/default/files/APA_CODE_OF_CONDUCT_2023.pdf

Australian Physiotherapy Association (APA) Standards for Physiotherapy Practices, 8th Edition 2011
https://australian.physio/sites/default/files/tools/Resources_Private_Practice_Standards_for_physiotherapy_practices_2011.pdf