Ending a professional relationship
Ahpra shared Code of conduct 4.7, stated plainly and cited to the edition held, with the evidence an auditor or the regulator asks for, the common gaps, and a free worksheet to fill in.
Ahpra shared Code of conduct 4.7
Ahpra and the National Boards
Shared Code of conduct, June 2022, in effect from 29 June 2022
30 September 2026, Ahpra code page read 30 September 2026: a review of the codes is under way, no revised version published
Registered occupational therapists and physiotherapists. Not psychologists (the Psychology Board has its own code from 1 December 2025) and not speech pathologists (not registered under the National Law).
A review of the shared code is under way; the June 2022 code stays in effect until a revised one is published.
Where a practitioner-patient relationship has become ineffective or compromised and needs to end, the practitioner tells the patient adequately of the decision and arranges continuing care, passing on relevant clinical information.
- Letter to the patient explaining that the relationship is ending
- Referral or transfer letter to the new provider with clinical summary
- Patient discharged with no notice or onward arrangement
- Clinical information withheld from the next provider
| Ref | Held (yes, partly, no, not applicable) | Where it is kept | Owner | Last reviewed | Next review |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4.7 |
Completing this worksheet records what your practice holds and where. It does not make a practice compliant or ready for audit, and it is not legal advice.
Related requirements
Ahpra shared Code of conduct
- 4.6Complaints
- 4.8Personal relationships
- 4.5Adverse events and open disclosure
- 4.9Professional boundaries
- 4.4Relatives, carers and partners
- 4.10Working with multiple patients
- 4.3Children, young people and other patients who may have additional needs
- 4.11Closing or relocating a practice
- Every page of this instrument
See every requirement for your practiceSee the specimen practice