In Austria physiotherapy is regulated by “Bundesgesetz über die Regelung der gehobenen medizinisch-technischen Dienste (MTD-Gesetz)“ BGB1. Nr. 460/1992(3). The title “Physiotherapeutin”,“Physiotherapeut”(EN) and the professional activity is protected by the state. The rules of professional conduct are determined directly by the state through national legislation. The physiotherapist must obtain a licence to practise.
Austria has a code of ethics for physiotherapists. The national authority responsible for legislation concerning the physiotherapy profession in Austria is the "Bundesministerium für Gesundheit" (35). Physiotherapist is a directly related regulated profession with title “Physiotherapeutin/ Physiotherapeut(AT)” recognized under Directive 2005/36/EC(5), ID 617. General system of recognition – primary application. Qualification level: PS3 – Diploma of post-secondary level (3-4 years), Art.11 d(7).
3. Wiesener S, Falkenberg T, Hegyi G, Hök J, Roberti di Sarsina P, Fønnebø V. Delieverable 9 – Report No. 3 – CAM Regulations in EU/EFTA/EEA. In: Wiesener S, Fønnebø V, editors. CAMbrella project FP7-HEALTH-2009, GA No.241951; Work Package 2; Deliverable 9 – Legal status and regulation of CAM in Europe, 2012.
5. DIRECTIVE 2005/36/EC OF THE EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT AND OF THE COUNCIL of 7 September 2005 on the recognition of professional qualifications (Text with EEA relevance) (OJ L 255, 30.9.2005, p. 22) Amended up to March 2011, (2005).
7. The European Commission. Regulated professions database. Brussels: EUROPA; 2011 [cited 2012 February 10, ]; Available from: http://ec.europa.eu/internal_market/qualifications/regprof/index.cfm?fuseaction=regProf.index.
35. Physio Austria, Bundesverband der PhysiotherapeutInnen Österreichs, Austrian Physiotherapy Association. Physiotherapy in Austria. The World Confederation for Physical Therapy; 2012 [cited 2012 April 17 ]; Available from: http://www.physioeurope.
Useful link: http://www.bmgf.gv.at/cms/site/inhalte.htm?channel=CH0003&thema=CH0012
