Opening a Practice Frequently Asked Questions

FAQs: Opening a Practice

• Can I open a practice out of my home?

  Yes, physiotherapists can provide care in a variety of settings, including in their home. Physiotherapists must ensure that care can be provided safely, effectively, and professionally, and that they are able to meet all College standards in their practice environment.

  The College has a checklist Opening a Practice Checklist to support PTs in meeting the required standards in any setting. This includes information around physical work environment, fees, billings and accounts, infection control, record keeping and other considerations. Be sure to check out the FAQs for information around required written policies. When starting a new practice, physiotherapists must update their information in the College portal within 30 days.

  Consider the set up in your home to ensure patient privacy. Consider also how you will manage both the environment and professional boundaries so that the home practice setting feels professional and safe for both you and your patients.

  There may be city zoning by-laws or other municipal regulations that impact your ability to operate a business from your home.

  Finally, a special consideration during the pandemic is to ensure that physiotherapists are familiar with and following all COVID-19 infection control guidelines set out by the Ministry of Health.

  Watch our video:
  
  
  
  

• If I see patients privately in the community, do I have to provide the College with that information? What do I list as my business address?

  If you see patients privately, no matter the location, you are operating a private practice, and you’ll need to update your information on the PT Portal.
  
  You will also require a business address for the purposes of providing contact information to patients and third-party payers. If you don’t have a physical clinic, you can use your home address as the business address. If you prefer not to have your home address listed on the Public Register, you can use a P.O. box, which you can rent from a post office or other facility.  
  
  
  

• What written policies and procedures do I have to have in place when I open a practice?

  You will need written policies and procedures for the following:

  • How you will ensure privacy/keep patient information safe
  • Managing adverse events (if you do any controlled acts)
  • Written protocols for infection prevention and control 
  • Written process for routinely reviewing the maintenance and safety of equipment 
  • Communicating with the PTA (if the PTA ever treats patients when you are not present)
  • Informing patients of your fees for your physiotherapy services
  • Reviewing fees and billings