REP Complaints and Investigations: Converting Retreat into Advance

Posted On: January 30, 2024

For most regulated health professionals, a letter from their regulatory authority can have a dramatic and chilling impact on the recipient. When that letter is a notice that a complaint has been received about them, terror and confusion on next steps will often result.

In this session of the Regulatory Education Program (REP), we’ll review the complaints and investigations processes, the roles of investigators, whether there is a need for legal support, and some helpful suggestions on how to cope with the process.

Franklin Roosevelt once famously said, “let me assert my firm belief that the only thing we have to fear is … fear itself – nameless, unreasoning, unjustified terror which paralyzes needed efforts to convert retreat into advance.”

While we cannot pretend that the complaint and investigation process is without its challenges, it doesn’t need to be a paralyzing and fearful process. This REP session will discuss what to expect during the process, and the vital part you play in this process if a complaint is ever received about you.

As a full participant in any complaint investigation, your voice matters and will be heard. You’ll learn that the complaints and investigation process is not one to which you are subjected, but rather one that is balanced and in which you play an important role.

Session Details

Date: Monday March 11, 2024 Time: 11:30AM – 12:30PM EST CEs: 1 Category A (Jurisprudence) Format: Live Webinar Cost:  Free Advance Registration: Required – Click Here

Presenters

Dr. Erin Psota, ND

Dr. Erin Psota ND completed her naturopathic medical studies at the Canadian College of Naturopathic Medicine in 2005 after obtaining her Bachelor of Science degree at the University of Waterloo. Her passion for pediatric medicine then led her to the Southwest College of Naturopathic Medicine in Arizona to pursue a pediatrics residency.

Erin maintains a private practice in Bloor West in Toronto, working alongside family physicians and other allied health professionals to provide comprehensive care to her patients. She is continuously amazed by the healing power of the little bodies that she sees and strives to help make this generation healthier than the last. In addition to her private practice, Erin is the clinical supervisor of the pediatric focus shifts for naturopathic students completing their final year of schooling as clinical interns.

Erin is registered in good standing with the College of Naturopaths of Ontario. She is the Chair of the Inquiries, Complaints and Reports Committees and is an active member of the Examinations Committee.

 

Dr. Kathy Van Zeyl, ND

Kathy has been a Naturopathic Doctor since 2009 and has a special focus in Ehlers Danlos Syndrome.  She lives and practises in Ottawa and was asked to join the CoNO Standards Committee after successfully managing a complicated complaint from another healthcare professional.

 

Natalia Vasilyeva, Manager, Professional Conduct

Natalia Vasilyeva is the Manager of Professional Conduct, a position she assumed April 2017, having been the Complaints and Discipline Coordinator with the College since 2014. In her role, Natalia provides support to both the Inquiries, Complaints and Reports Committee and supports the Discipline Committee in the planning and execution of hearings.

Prior to joining the College, Natalia had provided similar support for complaints and discipline at the Board of Directors of Drugless Therapy – Naturopathy, the regulator for naturopaths prior to the formation of the College.  She has previously worked as both a teacher and project manager for the Moscow School Board.

Natalia is a graduate of the Buryat State University in Ulan-Ude, Russia where she attained an equivalent to her master’s degree in teaching and linguistics. In her spare time, she enjoys reading classic literature,  mystery novels, and traveling with her family.

About the Regulatory Education Program

The Regulatory Education Program provides Registrants as well as members of the public access to free virtual educational programming that is focused directly on key regulatory concepts and rules. It is intended to allow Registrants and the public to learn more about the regulatory framework which governs NDs in Ontario and to help NDs not only comply, but to avoid potential issues that present a risk of harm to the public.

Unable to Attend?

All Regulatory Education Program events will be made available for streaming within 30 days of the event delivery. Check the College’s website for more details.

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