The Health Practitioners Disciplinary Tribunal has published its decision following a hearing on 23 May 2017 concerning a charge laid by a Professional Conduct Committee appointed by the Physiotherapy Board against Peter Chum, a registered physiotherapist.

The Board had imposed conditions on Chum that included forbidding him from treating female patients after the Board investigated a serious complaint about him in 2016.

Following that decision, Chum saw another 14 female patients for musculoskeletal treatments.

The Tribunal has found Chum in breach of his conditions of practice and requires him to pay a fine of $2000 and costs of $25,000.

In the Board’s view, the case reflects a significant breach. Conditions placed on practice are an important tool for the Board to meet its requirement to protect the public and uphold the reputation of the profession. They must be adhered to.

Physiotherapists are encouraged to refresh their knowledge of the Code of Ethics – and to contact the Board if they have any queries or concerns.

The full hearing decision document can be accessed here.