Professional Ethics, Law and Regulatory Practice in Hong Kong
Domain focus
This domain tests professional conduct, consent, confidentiality, record keeping, negligence and the Hong Kong regulatory framework. Candidates should know that physiotherapy is regulated under the Supplementary Medical Professions Ordinance (Cap. 359), with the Physiotherapists Board maintaining the register, setting standards and handling discipline. The exam expects principled reasoning, not slogan answers.
Core rules and concepts
- Practise within competence and the accepted scope of physiotherapy. Refer or seek supervision when the case exceeds your training.
- Valid consent requires capacity, adequate information and voluntariness. A competent adult may refuse treatment, even if you disagree. For minors, parental consent and child assent are considered according to age and understanding.
- Confidentiality is a legal and ethical duty. The Personal Data (Privacy) Ordinance (Cap. 486) governs personal data. Share information only with consent or where law, safety or care coordination justifies it.
- Negligence requires a duty of care, breach of the standard expected, causation and damage. Good records are contemporaneous, factual, dated and attributable.
- Professional boundaries, honest advertising and declaring conflicts are part of the Code of Practice. Social media is not a private space.
- Registration does not authorise practice outside competence or local law.
Worked example
A competent 70-year-old with capacity refuses recommended gait training after a fall. Reasoning: explore his concerns, explain risks and alternatives, and confirm he understands. He may refuse. Document the discussion, offer safety advice and a review, and do not treat against his wishes. If he lacked capacity, act in his best interests using the least restrictive option and involve relevant family or advocates according to law and policy.
Traps that cost marks
Treating a refusing patient as incompetent; discussing cases on social media; falsifying or backdating records; assuming family consent overrides a competent adult; and practising beyond competence because a patient asks. Another trap is giving legal-sounding advice beyond your role.
Key points
- Registration requires competence and ethical practice.
- Consent needs capacity, information and voluntariness.
- Confidentiality is governed by law and professional duty.
- Negligence needs duty, breach, causation and damage.
- Records must be contemporaneous and factual.