Practice standards are just one way the College regulates Alberta physical therapists protects patients and the public. Standards outline minimum practice requirements, incorporate provincial law and regulations, and establish the rules, responsibilities and expectations for Alberta physical therapists. In other words, our standards describe how physical therapy services are to be performed and/or delivered to Albertans.

Application
The standards apply to all physical therapy services delivered:

  • by an individual physical therapist (i.e., sole practitioner),
  • by a physical therapist in collaboration with a healthcare team, or
  • under a physical therapist’s direction and/or supervision.

All regulated physical therapists in Alberta are required to meet and perform within the standards and demonstrate the competencies described. Standards are the reference for reasonable and competent practice, and as such they are used to evaluate performance.

Purpose
Practice standards help physical therapists understand their regulatory responsibilities, professional obligations and College expectations. Standards also help employers/managers/
supervisors make appropriate decisions about a physical therapist's performance and help patients/the public understand the standards of care to be expected.

College standards

  1. Respect autonomy of patient
  2. Understand fiduciary responsibility and maintain professional integrity
  3. Ensure patient safety
  4. Conduct appropriate physical therapy assessment
  5. Establish physical therapy diagnosis
  6. Establish a treatment plan
  7. Explain outcome
  8. Implement physical therapy treatment plan
  9. Evaluate response to treatment and outcome
10. Respect confidential nature of personal and health information
11. Communicate effectively
12. Deliver effective evidence-based services

A pdf with all 12 standards plus introduction and glossary is also available.