Section 4: Ethics of masseur-physiotherapists

A masseur-physiotherapist who has replaced one of his colleagues for at least three months, whether consecutive or not, must not, for a period of two years, set up in a practice where he may enter into direct competition with the masseur-physiotherapist replaced and with the masseurs-physiotherapists who, where applicable, practise with the latter, unless there is an agreement between the parties concerned which must be notified to the departmental council.

A contract to work with a liberal profession or as a liberal assistant may be concluded for a fixed or indefinite period. However, the terms and conditions stipulated in the contract must be renegotiated at least every four years. The contract must be sent to the relevant Conseil départemental de l’ordre.

It is forbidden for a masseur-physiotherapist to manage his own practice. However, the Conseil Départemental de l’Ordre may authorise, for a period of six months, which may be renewable once, the running by a masseur-physiotherapist of the practice of a colleague who has died or is permanently unable to practise. Exceptional waivers of this period may be granted by the departmental council.

A masseur-physiotherapist must not set up in a building where a colleague is practising without the agreement of that colleague or the authorisation of the Conseil Départemental de l’Ordre. Such authorisation may only be refused on the grounds of a risk of confusion for the public. If the Conseil Départemental de l’Ordre remains silent, tacit authorisation will be deemed to have been granted on expiry of a period of two…

The association or formation of a company between masseur-physiotherapists with a view to practising the profession is the subject of a written contract which respects the professional independence of each of them. In accordance with the provisions of article L. 4113-9, agreements, contracts and amendments are communicated to the Conseil Départemental de l’Ordre, which checks that they comply with the principles of this Code of Ethics and, where they exist,…

In practices with several practitioners working together, whatever their legal status, the practice of physiotherapy must remain personal. Each practitioner retains his or her professional independence and the patient’s free choice of masseur-physiotherapist must be respected. The masseur-physiotherapist may use documents on the common letterhead of the association or practice society of which he or she is a member. The signatory must be identifiable and his/her address must be stated.