Professional Ethics, Law, and Council Regulations
This section tests professional conduct, consent, confidentiality, scope of practice, documentation, and the regulatory expectations of the health council.
Core rules and concepts
- Valid consent requires capacity, adequate information, and voluntariness; it can be withdrawn at any time.
- A patient with capacity may refuse treatment, even if the clinician disagrees; document the discussion and offer alternatives.
- Confidentiality is breached only with consent, legal requirement, or serious public safety risk.
- Work within your scope of practice and refer when the condition exceeds your competence or legal authority.
- Keep contemporaneous, accurate records; never alter them retrospectively.
- Maintain professional boundaries and declare conflicts of interest.
Worked example
A patient with capacity refuses a discharge exercise programme after stroke rehabilitation. The physiotherapist should respect the refusal, explore the patient’s concerns, explain the risks and alternatives, and document the discussion. Reasoning: consent is not a signature; it is an ongoing process. The physiotherapist cannot coerce or treat without consent, even with family pressure. A follow-up plan and caregiver education may reduce risk without overriding autonomy.
Traps that cost marks
- Accepting a relative’s consent for an adult who has capacity.
- Discussing a patient’s condition in a public area or on social media.
- Practising beyond scope, such as diagnosing or prescribing outside legal authority.
- Backdating or editing records to look better.