Section 4: Ethics of masseur-physiotherapists

Masseur-physiotherapists shall maintain good fraternal relations with each other. It is forbidden for a masseur-physiotherapist to slander another masseur-physiotherapist, to speak ill of him or her, or to echo comments that may harm him or her in the practice of his or her profession. It is forbidden to take improper credit for a scientific discovery, particularly in a publication, or to plagiarise, including in the context of initial and continuing…

Misappropriation or attempted misappropriation of customers is prohibited.

The masseur-physiotherapist consulted by a patient treated by one of his colleagues respects the interest and the free choice of the patient who wishes to consult another masseur-physiotherapist. The masseur-physiotherapist consulted, with the patient’s agreement, informs the masseur-physiotherapist who began the treatment and informs him of his findings and decisions. If the patient refuses, he/she will inform the patient of the consequences of his/her refusal.

A masseur-physiotherapist who is called urgently to a patient will write a report of his intervention and any prescriptions for his colleague, if the patient needs to be seen again by his own masseur-physiotherapist or another masseur-physiotherapist. He gives it to the patient or sends it directly to his colleague, informing the patient. He keeps a copy.

The masseur-physiotherapist must offer to consult a colleague as soon as circumstances require, or accept a request from the patient or those close to the patient. He will respect the patient’s choice and, unless there are serious objections, will refer the patient or ask a colleague to do so. At the end of the consultation, and with the patient’s consent, the colleague consulted will inform the treating masseur-physiotherapist in writing…

When the opinions of the consultant masseur-physiotherapist and the treating masseur-physiotherapist differ profoundly, the treating masseur-physiotherapist informs the patient. If the opinion of the masseur-physiotherapist consulted prevails with the patient or those around him, the treating masseur-physiotherapist is free to cease treatment. The masseur-physiotherapist consulted must not, on his own initiative, summon or re-examine the patient during the course of the treatment for which he was consulted.

When several physiotherapists collaborate in the examination or treatment of a patient, they keep each other informed with the patient’s consent. Each practitioner assumes his or her personal responsibilities and ensures that the patient is kept informed. Each practitioner is free to refuse to assist, or to withdraw his or her assistance, provided that he or she does no harm to the patient and informs his or her colleague(s).

Without prejudice to the provisions applicable to public and private health establishments, the masseur-physiotherapist who takes charge of a patient during hospitalisation notifies the masseur-physiotherapist designated by the patient or the patient’s family. He will keep him informed of essential decisions concerning the patient after the latter has given his consent. In the context of a scheduled hospitalisation, the masseur-physiotherapist treating the patient, with the patient’s consent, communicates all useful…

A masseur-physiotherapist may only be temporarily replaced in his practice by a colleague registered with the Order. The replacement is personal. The masseur-physiotherapist who is to be replaced must inform the relevant departmental council in advance, stating the name and position of the replacement, and the dates and duration of the replacement. He shall forward the replacement contract in accordance with article L. 4113-9. The self-employed masseur-physiotherapist being replaced must…

Once the replacement is complete, the replacement ceases all related activities and forwards the information required for continuity of care and the related administrative documents.