Code of Ethics

Lebanese physiotherapists (LOPT members) are registered health care professionals with university degree qualifications.

Physiotherapists who are members of the Lebanese Order of Physiotherapists are expected to undertake continuing professional development programs. They are also committed to advancing and facilitating the practice of physiotherapy, to improve the health status of the community for the common good.

LOPT members in Lebanon are bound to endorse the LOPT Code of Conduct and the four Ethical Principles on which the Code is based.

The Code of Conduct has been established by the Lebanese Order of Physiotherapists as the basis for ethical and professional conduct which meets community needs and expectations and validates community confidence in the judgement and integrity of LOPT members.

The Interpretation of the Code of Conduct provides practical interpretations to assist LOPT members to understand and be committed to the Code. The specific interpretations of ethical and professional obligations/responsibilities as outlined should not be seen as exhaustive or restricting the scope of the Code.

Ethical Principles

Respect the rights, dignity, confidentiality, and freedom of all individuals
  • Physiotherapists shall respect the rights, dignity, confidentiality, and freedom of all individuals
  • Physiotherapists shall demonstrate respectful, professional behavior toward each patient/client
  • Physiotherapists shall demonstrate respectful, professional behavior toward others in physiotherapy practice, education, research, and administration
  • Patients/clients have the right to confidentiality, quality services, health education, and access to data
Obey the laws and regulations
  • Physiotherapists shall obey the laws and regulations leading the practice of physiotherapy in Lebanon
  • Physiotherapists shall consider the patient/client values and circumstances
  • Physiotherapists shall collaborate with patient/client/caregiver/family to make informed decision
Responsible for making sound professional judgments
  • Physiotherapists shall be responsible for making sound professional judgments
  • Physiotherapists shall demonstrate independent and appropriate judgment in the delivery of physiotherapy services
  • Physiotherapists shall conduct a proper patients/clients examination/evaluation, diagnosis, prognosis, and plan of treatment
  • Physiotherapists shall inform and discharge patient when goals are achieved
  • Physiotherapists shall communicate with or refer to peers or other health professionals when necessary.
  • Physiotherapists shall communicate with medical professionals if the treatment program are not in agreement with their clinical judgement.
Deliver liable professional service
  • Physiotherapists shall deliver an honest, knowledgeable, skilled, and liable professional service
  • Physiotherapists shall clarify the nature of the service delivered to the patient/client
  • Physiotherapists shall maintain and improve their professional knowledge and skills
  • Physiotherapists shall provide suitable patient/client files or data in order to facilitate the patient/client evaluation process as well as the measurement of service performance
  • Physiotherapists shall keep confidential information of patient/client and may disclose confidential information to proper authorities only as required by law
  • Physiotherapists shall not disclose any information related to peer review or any other form of peer evaluation unless the physiotherapist being evaluated allows such disclosure
  • Physiotherapists shall not involve in conflicts of interest that interfere with the OPTL ethical considerations
  • Physiotherapists shall not permit their services to be misused
Provide quality services
  • Physiotherapists shall provide quality services
  • Physiotherapists shall participate in continuing education to enhance their professional knowledge
  • Physiotherapists shall engage in research and share the results in order to improve the patient/client services
  • Physiotherapists shall contribute to education in academic and clinical settings
  • Physiotherapists shall meet ethical requirements when they conduct a research on human subjects
  • Physiotherapists shall apply the current administration system of the institute where they work
  • Physiotherapists shall ensure all staff are appropriately qualified
  • Physiotherapists shall implement and audit the institute policies and procedures of the institute where they work
  • Physiotherapists shall provide opportunities for staff education and personal development through efficient evaluation and monitoring of clinical practice
Ask a reasonable charge and objective level of compensation
  • Physiotherapists shall ask a reasonable charge and objective level of compensation for the services they provide
  • Physiotherapists shall guarantee that their charges are based on realistic considerations
  • Physiotherapists shall try to warrant third-party that their charges are based on realistic considerations
  • Physiotherapists shall not use unwarranted power for their own benefit
Provide precise and correct information
  • Physiotherapists shall be essential partners in the development of services addressing health needs of the society
  • Physiotherapists shall be committed to participate in planning services designed to provide optimum community health services
  • Physiotherapists shall be committed toward achieving justice in offering service for all people
Physiotherapists shall be essential partners in the development of the services
  • Physiotherapists shall provide precise and correct information regarding the physiotherapy services to patient/client and the community
  • Physiotherapists shall be involved in public education in order to spread the accurate information about the profession and the nature of services physiotherapists offer
  • Physiotherapists have the right to promote their services according to OPTL rules and regulations
  • Physiotherapists shall avoid false, dishonest, untruthful, biased or sensational statements or claims
  • Physiotherapists shall not use titles, which mislead their professional status