Wednesday, December 15, 2010

SUMMARY OF PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT DAY - HELD ON NOVEMBER 7TH, 2010

VOTE OF THANKS We would like to thank all members and participants for making the
Professional Development Day a success
.

The following main points were discussed:
Ruling on using DNM in Ontario and BC
At the moment there are more questions than we have answers for, but one of the most common questions coming from practitioners is the use of the “Doctor” title. In accordance with RHPA, Section 33.1 “Exempt as allowed in the regulations under the act, person shall use the title “doctor”, a variation or abbreviation or an equivalent in another language in the course of providing or offering to provide, in Ontario, health care to individuals.1991, c.18, s 33.(1),” the title “Doctor” is restricted to only to those who are registered with the following regulated professions:
  • College of Chiropractor of Ontario
  • College of Optometrists of Ontario
  • College of Physicians & Surgeons of Ontario
  • College of Psychologists of Ontario
  • Royal College of Dental Surgeons of Ontario
Pending regulation of Professions under transitional process
  • College of Homeopaths of Ontario
  • College of Naturopaths of Ontario
  • College of Chinese Medicine & Acupuncture of Ontario
In other circumstances you may declare yourself as a “Doctor” teaching, with colleagues etc.

This law is in effect and anyone found guilty is liable of a fine of up to $25,000 for a first time offence and up to $50.000 or six months in jail for second offence.

In offering service you may declare your level of education in Natural Medicine as follows; Certified (certificate)Diploma (Dip), B.Sc (Bachelor) in whatever field,  M.Sc, Master (in whatever field) PhD Doctorate (in whatever field).  

Examples  of Advertising format (business card, media etc) 
1. John Smith, Dip. Nat. Med, RNP
Naturotherapy Practitioner
2. John Smith, B.Sc, RNP
Registered Naturotherapy Practitioner
3.John Smith, DNM. PhD
Doctorate in Natural Medicine,

The DNM “Doctorate in Natural Medicine” designation will be valid only when used with a PhD level of Education in Ontario and B.C and wherever the law restricts the Doctor’ title when offering health care services or if you are a member of one of the five regulated health professions previously listed. The Board has made provision for you to upgrade your education to a PhD level by research, you must contact Dr. Sheila McKenzie. Otherwise you may renew your designation at the practitioners level. It is important that this board abide by the law of the
governments and
no one can be exempted. You have until 2012 to be in compliance of the Doctorate level. Also be advised that it will take 12 -24 months to complete PhD research depending at where you are in your education -therefore, be proactive.

Difference between Integrative Medicine Board and Natural Medicine Board
Integrative Medicine Board (sister to the BNMDP) is for: Allopathic or allied allopathic medical professional and Medical Acupuncturist who are seeking certification to expand their knowledge and expertise in the field of Integrative Medicine (geared towards licensed, registered or certified health care professionals).

CONTROL ACTS
The following information is a summary, outlining the controlled acts authorized to the various 28 regulated health professions in Ontario. It is organized according to the 14 controlled acts listed in the Regulated Health Professions Act, 1991 (RHPA). The exact wording found in the profession-specific acts which gives the health profession its authority to perform the controlled act (s) is listed under the column “Legislation” and all affiliated regulations related to this controlled act authority is listed in the “Regulation” column.

For certain controlled acts (communicating a diagnosis; performing a procedure on tissue below the dermis; applying or ordering a form of energy; prescribing, dispensing, selling or compounding a drug; and treating by means of psychotherapy technique), “ exemptions” are listed. These exemptions, found in the Controlled Acts regulation under the RHPA, contain clauses to indicate when health professions are exempted from the application of particular legislative requirements (e.g. With the controlled act of communicating a diagnosis, a medical
geneticist who holds a doctorate degree is exempt from the
RHPA when he/she is communicating a diagnosis for the purpose of identifying a genetic disease or genetic disorder).

Notice: As a health care professional you can diagnose but not communicate the diagnosis to the client “Opinion derived from an evaluation”
1.“Diagnosis “The act or process of identifying or determining the nature and cause of a disease or injury through evaluation of patient history, examination, and review of laboratory data.
2.The opinion derived from such an evaluation.
3.A brief description of the distinguishing characteristics of an organism, as for taxonomic classification

The information found in this document updates the current document found on HPRAC’s public website SUMMARY OF CONTROLLED ACTS OF REGULATED HEALTH PROFESSIONS IN ONTARIO. Since the initial posting of this summary document, new regulations or amendments to regulations have taken place that needed to be captured. For instance, new regulations related to the controlled acts of performing a procedure on tissue below the dermis, administering a substance by injection and prescribing of drugs by the chiropody and podiatry professions were introduced in September 2008. It will be our intention to replace the current website document.

RENEWAL PROCESS
Keeping your registration current is vital and reaffirms your commitment to professionalism. It also  demonstrates that you are receiving Continuing  Education to stay atop emerging new developments in natural medicine.
(20) hours of CEU’s are required every year (Doctorate level) and (10) hours (practitioner level) and (10) hours participation in humanitarian endeavors via Clinics for Humanity.
If you choose not to renew your membership or practice (Sabbatical), please notify us in writing, explaining your reasons. 

PROFESSIONAL LIABILITY INSURANCE
Professional Liability Insurance under Partners Indemnity Insurance is only granted to BNMDP-NA & BOIM members, who are residents of and practice in Canada.
The insurance company will only be accepting registrants with a valid membership registration.
Insurance renewal forms will be issued only after renewal is received and renewal sticker and cards granted.
Non registered members are not eligible under this program.

We look forward hosting our Professional Development Day annually
in October or November.

Finally, on behalf of our Board of Directors: Hon. Dr. Sheila Mckenzie, Dr. Bruce Ally, Dr. Paul Henderson and our administration, we would like to wish you the best of the Season and all prosperity in the coming year.
May you and yours be healthy, happy and successful.