Regulatory Education Program: Navigating the Complexities of Consent

Posted On: June 2, 2023

For naturopathic doctors, consent is governed by several key legal documents including the Health Care Consent Act, the General Regulation (Ontario Regulation 168/15) and the College’s Standard of Practice on Consent. While these are generally consistent in their approach to the subject, they create a unique layering of responsibilities for Ontario Naturopathic Doctors.

The first-ever session of the College’s new Regulatory Education Program will explore and bring together the rules governing consent in naturopathic practice and clarify the best approaches for establishing and maintaining proper informed consent when treating patients. For the members of the public attending, this session will provide clarity as to what consent entails and your rights in providing and withdrawing that consent.

Participants will leave this session with a well-rounded understanding of consent requirements and practical approaches for implementing this in practice.

Session Details

Date: Friday July 7, 2023 Time: 12:00 pm – 1:00 pm CEs: 1 Category A (Jurisprudence) Format: Live Webinar Cost:  Free Advance Registration: Closed

Presenters

Dr. Kim Bretz, ND

Dr. Kim Bretz ND is a naturopathic doctor working and living in Waterloo Region. She is a speaker, consultant and adjunct faculty at the University of Waterloo, Pharmacy.

She is a passionate international public speaker, having presented to multiple corporations and agencies, and is a guest lecturer for Canadian universities in the areas of health promotion, function foods and natural health care products. She also runs continuing education for healthcare professionals in the area of the microbiota, strain specific probiotics and gastrointestinal health. For 6 years, Kim was part of Human Nature Network, a nationally syndicated radio program though CHUM radio, speaking in the areas of women’s health.

She is an ardent supporter of education and interprofessionalism. Kim taught gastrointestinal physiology and endocrinology at the Canadian College of Massage and Hydrotherapy. She teaches a course in Complementary and Alternative Medicine focusing on Interprofessionalism at the School of Pharmacy at the University of Waterloo, and has worked with the PIPER program out of McMaster (Program for Interprofessional Practice, Education and Research).  She has also been involved in the role of clinical lead in a research trial through the University of Guelph with the Spagnuolo Research Lab.

Andrew Parr, CEO

Andrew Parr is the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the College of Naturopaths of Ontario, the regulatory authority governing naturopathic doctors in Ontario. He was first appointed to the College during its formative stages in August 2010 and, upon proclamation of the Naturopathy Act, 2007 in July 2015 was formally re-appointed by the new Council.

Prior to joining the College, Andrew had been working in the not-for-profit sector for 20 years including eight of which he served as the Executive Director and CEO of the association for registered massage therapists in Ontario. Andrew has also served as the Executive Director of the Canadian Society of Association Executives-Trillium Chapter for ten years through a successful association management firm he had established.

Andrew has a Bachelor of Arts (Honours) degree in politics from Brock University in St. Catharines, Ontario and has attained his Certified Association Executive (CAE) designation from the Canadian Society of Association Executives.

Outside of work, Andrew enjoys spending time at the lake with his husband of 30 years and his delightful pups, Chandler and Gunther.

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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