Section 4: Ethics of masseur-physiotherapists

The masseur-physiotherapist must act as the child’s advocate when he or she feels that the child’s health interests are being misunderstood or misguided by those around him or her.

When a masseur-physiotherapist discerns that a person to whom he or she is called upon to provide care is the victim of abuse or deprivation, he or she must implement the most appropriate means to protect that person by demonstrating prudence and circumspection. In the case of a minor or a person who is unable to protect him/herself due to age or physical or mental condition, except in special circumstances…

Independently of the personal medical file provided for in article L. 161-36-1 of the Social Security Code, the masseur-physiotherapist keeps a personal file for each patient; it is confidential and contains the up-to-date information required for diagnostic and therapeutic decisions. In all cases, these documents are kept under the responsibility of the masseur-physiotherapist. Subject to the provisions applicable to health establishments, physiotherapy records are kept under the responsibility of the…

Continuity of patient care must be ensured. Except in emergencies and in cases where he would fail in his duty of humanity, the masseur-physiotherapist has the right to refuse care for professional or personal reasons. If he withdraws from his mission, he will then inform the patient and pass on to the masseur-physiotherapist designated by the latter the information necessary for the continuation of care.

Physiotherapists cannot abandon their patients in the event of public danger.

The masseur-physiotherapist called upon to provide care in a family or community must, as far as possible, do everything possible to ensure compliance with the rules of hygiene and prophylaxis. He informs the patient of his responsibilities and duties towards himself and third parties, and of the precautions he must take.

The masseur-physiotherapist, without yielding to any abusive request, facilitates the patient’s obtaining the social benefits to which his condition entitles him. To this end, he is authorised, with the patient’s consent, to communicate to the consultant practitioner of the social security body to which he belongs, or belonging to a public or private body which decides on the allocation of social benefits, the information which is strictly necessary.

Physiotherapists must not interfere in family matters or in the private lives of their patients for no professional reason.

A masseur-physiotherapist who participated in the treatment of a person during the illness from which the person died may only take advantage of inter vivos and testamentary dispositions made in his favour by the person during the course of this illness in the cases and under the conditions set out in article 909 of the Civil Code. Nor may he abuse his influence to obtain a mandate or enter into…

The masseur-physiotherapist’s fees are determined with tact and moderation, taking into account the regulations in force, the services provided or particular circumstances. They may only be claimed in respect of procedures actually carried out. The masseur-physiotherapist complies with the provisions of articles L. 1111-3-2 and L. 1111-3-3 as regards informing the patient of the costs relating to his services and the conditions for reimbursement and exemption from advance payment of…