Standards Of Practice – Ontario Osteopathic and Alternative Medicine Association

THE ONTARIO OSTEOPATHIC AND ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE ASSOCIATION

(hereinafter be referred to as the “OOAMA”)

SECTION	PAGE	INDEX
MISSION	2	3
PURPOSE	2	4
CONDITIONS OF APPLICATION FOR MEMBERSHIP	2-3	5-8
MEMBERSHIP REQUIREMENTS	3	9
EDUCATIONAL REQUIREMENTS	3-4	10-13
CONDITIONS OF MEMBERSHIP	4-5	14-17
MEMBERSHIP SUSPENSION OR REVOCATION	5	18-20
VIOLATIONS	5	21
BOARD OF DIRECTORS	5-6	22-26
POWER OF DIRECTORS	6	27-28
OFFICERS	6-7	29-31
DUTIES OF OFFICERS	7	32
MEETINGS	7	33-34
CODE OF ETHICS	7	35-36
COMPLAINTS	7	37
RESTRICTIONS OF OFFICERS AND DIRECTORS RECORD KEEPING GUIDELINE	7	38

It is envisioned that the information contained within this chapter will provide a valuable resource to practitioners of Alternative Medicine, on the high standards of conduct and proficiency that are required to obtain and maintain status as an Osteopath Manual Practitioner, as well as, a member of the Ontario Osteopathic and Alternative Medicine Association.

It is the intent of this chapter to establish standards and regulations for members and higher ranking officers of the OOAMA.

mission

The mission of the OOAMA shall be to represent and advance the interests of the osteopathic and alternative medical professions across Ontario.

purpose

The OOAMA seeks to:

promote the advancement of the healing arts by all legitimate methods of study, research and practice
promote and protect the interests and influence of the osteopathic medical profession with all appropriate public and private organizations and individuals
facilitate original research and investigation into the healing arts, with a special interest in the study and application of the principles and practice of osteopathic medicine. Results will be collected and published for the benefit of the profession and society
promote the recognition and advancement of osteopathic undergraduate and postgraduate medical education
promote professional and social interactions amongst its membership
assist in the formation and development of geographic divisional associations, and such other divisions as may be deemed appropriate
maintain such facilities and hire such personnel as are deemed appropriate and necessary to accomplish its purposes
operate on a not-for-profit basis

conditions of application for membership

Only Osteopath Manual Practitioners or practitioners of other alternative medical fields, such as naturopathy, acupuncture, and chiropractic, can attain full membership in the OOAMA.

Full membership can only be attained on the basis of approval by the association.

Only graduates of an approved college and/or discipline (as determined by the association) are eligible for full membership.

Membership classification shall be:

Full members
Life members
Honourary members
Associate members

Only Full Members, Life Members, Honorary Members shall be eligible to vote and hold office in the OOAMA.

Applying:

Each applicant for membership of The Ontario Osteopath and Alternative Medicine Association must submit the following:

Applicant’s training and experience in the specific field
Proof that the applicant has obtained all licenses and/or diploma certificates and permits required by province and by local law
Such other information that the Board of directors may require in respect to the OOAMA’s standards

NOTE: The Board of Directors is in the power of further investigating an applicant’s responsibility and potential to operate as a member of the OOAMA.

The Board of Directors can issue membership to an applicant after confirming that the applicant has met all of the requirements issued and mentioned in this chapter. In the event of membership denial, the applicant shall be informed in writing of the reason therefore.

Grounds for denial of membership shall be:

Failure to meet the requirements of any provision of this chapter
Habits or addictions interfering with work and commitment to the medical community
Conviction of any crime, and/or intentional dishonest for personal gain
A criminal background

membership requirements

In order to be eligible for membership with the association, the applicant must:

Be a resident of Ontario
Be a Canadian citizen or permanent resident
Successfully graduate from a legitimate Canadian college (and of an alternative medicine discipline) as determined by us (see next section)
Successfully complete 600-1200 classroom and clinical hours in their discipline (excluding Osteopath manual practitioners, who require 2000 completed hours) from a recognized Canadian college
Have medical and/or holistic medicine experience (e.g. doctor, nurse, chiropractor, acupuncturist, RMT, naturopath, etc.) aside from the 1200-2000 completed hours
Successfully complete our interview and testing process. This is a short evaluation of your theoretical knowledge, correct application, and ethics
Have active and valid insurance coverage (individual or through employer) which covers workplace liability

educational requirements

We determine legitimacy by evaluating the content offered in the program.

Expected content (in no particular order):

Anatomy
Biomechanics of the human body
Clinical application ethics
Clinical emergencies theory & practice
Complementary medical techniques
Diagnostic images theory & practice
Emergency skills, CPR, & first-aid
Manual therapy techniques
Neurology & neuro-anatomy theory and practice
Nutrition
Orthopedics
Osteopathic diagnosis & manual therapy application
Osteopathic history, philosophy, & practice
Paediatrics
Palpatory skills & diagnosis
Pathology
Physiology, applied physiology, & exercise physiology
Professional practice management
Sports medicine

Note: Exception may be made for applicants with a strong grasp of overall content.

12. The following schools are the principle colleges approved by the OOAMA:

Canadian College of Holistic Health
Canadian College of Osteopathy
London College of Osteopathy and Health Sciences
Loyola College
National Academy of Osteopathy
National University of Medical Sciences
Ontario School of Osteopathy and Alternative Medicine
Toronto College of Osteopathy
Turner Institute
New Earth College

Accreditation criteria:

Schools are considered only if they are officially registered in Canada
Schools are accredited upon an evaluation of their programs of study. Programs offering over 1200 (or 2000, for Osteopathy) combined classroom and clinical hours are deemed legitimate
Schools are approved on the basis of the content offered in their programs as well. Schools that offer well-rounded programs are looked upon favourably

Initially, the OOAMA inquires into schools’ registration status. Once it is confirmed that a school is officially registered in Canada, the OOAMA recognizes it as a legitimate and reliable college.

conditions of membership

Members must:

Be trained and competent in the proper use of all equipment related to Osteopathy and Alternative Medicine

Upgrade education (for members in Osteopathy) – 30 hours per three years or 3 modules

Each member must obtain their certificate of membership once apart of The Ontario Osteopath and Alternative Medicine Association. The certificate includes:

Photograph of the member
Seal
Number
2 signatures from the Board of Directors

Members must inform The Ontario Osteopath and Alternative Medicine Association if they have any changes in address, telephone number, place of practice, or any other information that had been collected when they had applied for membership.
Members must inform the association of any convictions or charges in regards to their practice.

Any member may withdraw from the OOAMA by delivering a written resignation.

Duty to Report

Unless to do so would be unlawful or would involve a breach of practitioner-client privilege, a member shall report to OOAMA:

(a) the abandonment of a health service practice;

(b) participation in criminal activity related to the member’s practice, inclusive of any legal or regulatory proceedings brought against that member irrespective of whether such proceedings have yet been adjudicated;

(d) conduct that raises a substantial question about the member’s capacity to provide professional services; and

(e) any situation where a patient is likely to be at risk.

A failure to report any of the foregoing constitutes a contravention of the OOAMA’s policies and may result in disciplinary action up to the temporary or permanent revocation of membership.

In certain cases, the revocation of membership may occur immediately.

membership suspension or revocation

The Board of Directors may suspend or revoke membership for failure by the member to comply, and maintain compliance with, or for violation of any applicable provisions, standards, or requirements of this chapter, and of the OOAMA. Suspension of membership is not a condition precedent to revocation.
The association can revoke membership immediately, without notice, if the member did not provide information about any convictions or charges in regards to their practice.
Before suspension or revocation, the Board of Directors shall give written notice to the member, the notice shall:

Specify the reasons for which the action is to be taken
Set a hearing for not more than 16 days nor less than 8 days after the date of the notice
Specify the date, time, and place of the hearing

At the hearing, the Board of Directors has the burden of proof, and may present evidence as to why such action is being taken, and to rebut any response being made by the member in question. The Board of Directors may reduce the suspension time based on reason. The member in question may request an additional hearing at which he or she will have the burden of establishing and justifying full reinstatement of their membership. Such additional hearing will be conducted before the Board of Directors. At the conclusion of such hearing, a written summary of the evidence will be prepared. The Board of Directors will review the written summary of the case in question, and will issue a written decision within 30 days of the last hearing.

Violations

Violation of any provision of this chapter by a member of The Ontario Osteopath and Alternative Medicine Practitioners shall be a misdemeanour with consequences.

Professional Boundaries:

Healthcare practitioners are generally expected to maintain professional boundaries with their patients. Engaging in romantic or personal relationships with patients can be considered a breach of these boundaries. Professional organizations and licensing bodies often have guidelines in place to address such situations.
Informed Consent and Objectivity: If a romantic interest or relationship develops between a practitioner and a patient, it can compromise the objectivity and professionalism of the practitioner. Informed consent may be affected, and the patient might not feel comfortable sharing personal information or concerns.
Ethical Codes and Guidelines: Many healthcare professions have ethical codes and guidelines that explicitly address the issue of relationships between practitioners and patients. It’s crucial to be familiar with these codes and ensure that the actions of your staff align with the established standards.
Liability and Legal Implications: Engaging in a romantic relationship with a patient may have legal implications and could potentially lead to liability issues. Laws regarding practitioner-patient relationships vary, so it’s essential to understand the legal framework in your jurisdiction.
Clinic Policies: Establish clear policies within your clinic regarding professional boundaries and relationships between staff and patients. Ensure that all staff members are aware of these policies and receive appropriate training.
Documentation: It’s important to document any interactions or incidents related to this situation. This documentation can be valuable in case of legal or ethical inquiries. Include details such as the discharge decision and the reasons behind it.

board of directors

The business of the association shall be managed by a Board of Directors, comprised of a minimum of three directors. The number of directors shall be determined from time to time by a majority of the directors at a meeting of the Board of Directors and sanctioned by an affirmative vote of at least two-thirds (2/3) of the members at a meeting duly called for the purpose of determining the number of directors to be elected to the Board of Directors. Directors must be individuals, and 18 years of age. Directors need not be members.

The office of directors shall be automatically vacated:

a) if at a special general meeting of members, a resolution is passed by two-thirds (2/3) of the members present at the meeting that he be removed from office;

b) if a director has resigned his office by delivering a written resignation to the Secretary of the Corporation;

c) if he is found by a court to be of unsound mind;

d) if he becomes bankrupt or suspends payment or compounds with his creditors;

e) on death;

Provided that if any vacancy shall occur for any reason in this paragraph contained, the Board of Directors by majority vote, may, by appointment, fill the vacancy with a member in good standing of the OOAMA.

The directors shall serve as such without remuneration and no director shall directly or indirectly receive any profit portion as such; provided that a director may be paid reasonable expenses incurred by him in the performance of his duties.

A retiring director shall remain in office until the dissolution or adjournment of the meeting at which his retirement is accepted and his successor is elected.

power of directors

The Board of Directors may appoint such agents and engage such employees as it shall deem necessary from time to time and such persons shall have such authority and shall perform such duties as shall be prescribed by the Board of Directors at the time of such appointment.

Remuneration for all officers, agents, employees, and committee members shall be fixed by the Board of Directors by resolution. Such resolution shall have force and effect only until the next meeting of members when such resolution shall be confirmed by resolution of the members, or in the absence of such confirmation by the members, then the remuneration to such officers, agents, or employee and committee members shall cease to be payable from the date of such meeting of the members.

officers

The officers of the Corporation shall be: a President, Vice-President, Secretary, and Treasurer, and any such other officer as the Board of Directors may by by-law determine. Any two officers may be held by the same person. Officers need not be directors, nor members.

The President shall be elected at an annual meeting of members. Officers other than President of the Corporation shall be appointed by resolution of the Board of Directors at the first meeting of the Board of Directors following an annual meeting of members.

The officers of the Corporation shall hold office indefinitely from the date of appointment or election or until their successors are elected or appointed in their stead. Officers shall be subject to removal by resolution by the Board of Directors at any time.

duties of officers

The duties of all other officers of the Corporation shall be such as the terms of their engagement call for or the Board of Directors requires of them.

meetings

33. The annual general meeting of the OOAMA shall be held at a place and time designated by the Board of Directors.

Regular meetings will be held as deemed necessary by the Board of the OOAMA. Such meetings may be held using electronic methods of communication.

code of ethics

All members of the OOAMA will be expected to be knowledgeable of and to abide by the Code of Ethics as defined by the OOAMA as well as their respective provincial colleges, as amended from time to time.
Code of Ethics is grounded in four ethical principles:

Benefit Clients by providing professional service.

To fulfill the goal of benefiting clients, Manual Therapists endeavour to positively contribute to their clients’ health and well-being.

Treat all Clients with Respect and Dignity

To fulfill the goal of treating clients with respect and dignity, Manual Therapists treat all clients with compassion and consideration of the client’s right to be the decision maker in their healthcare.

Not Harm Clients

To fulfill the goal of not harming clients, Manual Therapists take every precaution to prevent harm to clients.

Be Responsible

To fulfill the goal of being responsible, Manual Therapists act in the best interest of the client and not in the interest of the Manual Therapist.

Failure to abide by such Code(s) of Ethics may result in loss of membership and related privileges in the association.

complaints

Any individual who has a dissatisfaction with the service provided to them, or has noticed a violation of the Code of Ethics by a member of the OOAMA is entitled to file a written complaint, setting forth allegations, which will be reviewed by the Board of Directors who will notify the alleged individual of this complaint, and will call them into question.

restrictions of officers and directors

A member of the Corporation’s Board of Directors shall hold the official position of President, such that the President is elected by a majority of the Board of Directors at the Annual General Meeting of the OOAMA. The Director occupying the official position of President shall not have any rights to vote on matters before the Board of Directors, save for casting the deciding vote for or against those resolutions, by-laws, amendments, or any and all other matters of the Board of Directors that would otherwise end in an impasse.

record keeping guideline

Initial Assessment and Treatment Record

The Initial Assessment and Treatment Record is the form first used when a practitioner meets with a new patient.

This health record will provide the practitioner with a clear understanding of the patient’s current and past health conditions, identified health concerns, and the course of treatment to be followed. Accurate, clear and concise documentation facilitates follow-up treatment and prevents error.

The practitioner is expected to first review the Patient Health Summary form with the patient.

The practitioner will then discuss the patient’s health and any relevant information noted Intake History Form. Any new or important information noted during the discussion will be captured on the Initial Assessment and Treatment Record.

The Initial Assessment and Treatment Record form must contain the following information:

Patient History

Personal health and medical history (ongoing problems, past illnesses, operations, allergies, drug reactions, prescription medications, herbal supplements, vitamins, over the counter remedies etc.)

Initial Assessment/Treatment

Presenting condition/chief complaint

Signs and symptoms

Treatment principles and strategies

Treatment plan (modalities manual therapies), frequency and duration. Any advice given to patients.

Referring healthcare provider (Regulated Health Professional)

Name, address and phone number

Follow Up Treatment Record

The Follow Up Treatment Record is a simplified form used for subsequent patient visits. The intent of the follow up treatment record form is to document ongoing treatment progress and document any changes in the prescribed treatment (if required). The Follow Up Treatment form differs from the Initial Assessment and Treatment Record as it is much more simplified. The practitioner can always refer to previously completed forms to provide a context of the patient’s ongoing health. The Follow Up Treatment Form is mainly used to document any changes in the Patient’s health and to document any modifications to the patient’s treatment if it was required. The record should reflect the ongoing progress of a patient’s health. The Follow Up Treatment Record must contain the following information: Date of visit

Progress inquiry

Treatment plan modification

Adjunct modalities/treatment or procedures used and specifics.

Patient’s reaction to treatment

Follow recommendation

Consent to Treatment Form

Practitioners are required by law to explain proposed treatments to their patients and to receive their patients’ informed consent for the proposed treatment. A patient has the right to receive sufficient information in order to make an informed decision on whether to accept treatment. Practitioners must ensure that their patients know, understand and consent to their assessments or treatments before any treatments begin. Consent must be informed by means of a meaningful dialogue between the practitioner and the patient. If a patient is not capable of providing consent, the Practitioner may receive consent from the patient’s substitute decision-maker (in accordance with the Health Care Consent Act, 1996). The following rules are set out in the Health Care Consent Act, 1996: The consent must relate to the treatment; The consent must be informed: this means the Practitioner must inform the patient or substitute decision-maker about the nature of the treatment; the expected benefits of the treatment; the material risks of the treatment; the material side effects of the treatment; alternative courses of action; the likely consequences of not having the treatment; The consent must be given voluntarily; The consent must not be obtained through misrepresentation or fraud.

The Health Care Consent Act, 1996 does not require Practitioners to use written consent forms. Consent may be obtained in writing or verbally, or it may be implied.

ENACTED by the board this 1^st Day of April, 2005.