The profession of orthotics and prosthetics exists for the fundamental purpose of assisting patients in maintaining functional and productive lives. The public entrusts its confidence to those professional practitioners upon whose competence and sense of fairness and compassion they can rely. For the profession to thrive, the members must discharge their responsibilities in a fashion that will bring honour and integrity to that profession, thereby ensuring public confidence. The greatest effort possible should be made to satisfy each patient’s orthotic and/or prosthetic needs. The relationship established and the manner in which the patient is served are essential factors for appropriate professional and ethical conduct.

Recognizing the significant role the orthotist/prosthetist plays in the physical and emotional welfare of the patient, the canons evolved from the Code of Ethics and from the Registry of the Canadian Board for Certification of Prosthetists and Orthotists (hereafter known as the corporation). Its purpose was to convey the philosophy and basic tenet that the welfare of the patient shall come first and to encourage and promote the highest standard of professionalism and ethical conduct. The original Code of Ethics has evolved to its present form consistent with this philosophy.

The CBCPO takes its role in enforcing the standards of the profession seriously, depending upon the circumstances; disciplinary action may range from a warning, reprimand, temporary suspension, de-certification, censorship or referral for criminal prosecution or civil action. Although loss of certification is the maximum penalty that may be imposed by the corporation on a certified orthotist, certified prosthetist, registered orthotic and/or prosthetic technician who violates these canons, each orthotist/prosthetist or registered technician has a civic and professional obligation to report to the appropriate governmental body any and all evidence that may come to his or her attention involving the alleged criminal conduct of any orthotist, prosthetist or registered technician relating to the practice of orthotics or prosthetics. For more see the Rules and Procedures regarding Ethical and Professional Complaints.