May 2022
Consider running for election!
The College is run by a Council, similar to a board of directors. Council sets the College’s strategic and policy direction and makes decisions that protect and promote the public interest.
 
This July, kinesiologists in the following districts will participate in elections to Council:

  • District 1 - Northern (one member spot)
  • District 4 - Central (one member spot)
  • District 5 - Central West (one member spot)
  • District 7 – All Ontario (one academic spot)

Your district is determined by where you work. If you are not working, your electoral district is determined by where you live. View the electoral districts.
 
The College will be seeking nominations from kinesiologists eligible to run for Council in May. View the eligibility criteria.
 
New this year is the Council and Committee Competency Profile that will be used to determine eligibility and suitability of kinesiologists wanting to stand for election to Council. Candidates will also be asked to complete an online Council Orientation Module before submitting their final nomination form, which is due Friday, May 27, 2022.
 
If you work or live in one of these districts, check your inbox in mid-May for more information and consider running! This is a great opportunity to contribute to public protection and the future of the profession.
 
Not sure what’s involved and want to learn more about serving on Council? View the expectations of Council members and learn more about Council.
Reminder: We want your feedback
The Council of the College of Kinesiologists of Ontario (CKO) approved four registration policies to go out for consultation at its meeting on March 28, 2022. You still have time to participate in our open consultation on the following policies:

  1. Inactive Class Certificate of Registration Policy
  2. Reissuance of the General Class Certificate of Registration Policy
  3. Language Proficiency Policy
  4. Registration Timeline Policy

The College values the contributions of its registrants, the public and stakeholders in helping us maintain the high registration and entry-to-practice standards of the profession of kinesiology in Ontario. We’re committed to maintaining our public protection mandate by continued improvements to our registration policies and processes.
Let us know what you think by Friday, May 27, 2022.
Updates to Practice Standards and Guidelines
The College has begun a comprehensive review of its Practice Standards, Guidelines and other materials to ensure that all resources are up-to-date.

The following four Practice Standards and Guidelines were recently reviewed, updated and approved by Council at their meeting on March 28. This review also brings Standards and Guidelines in line with the Spousal Exception regulation.
Case of the month: WSIB

Scenario
A kinesiologist recently received a referral about a patient/client who was injured on the job and whose health care costs may be covered by the Workplace Safety and Insurance Board (WSIB).

Question
Can a kinesiologist treat a patient/client covered by WSIB and bill WSIB for this treatment and related services? What are the kinesiologist’s next steps?

Correct response
Kinesiologists, as regulated health care professionals with a scope of practice that relates to some types of workplace injuries, may deliver some WSIB programs of care.
 
A kinesiologist must apply to the WSIB to deliver programs of care before providing the care. Kinesiologists who are approved by the WSIB to deliver one or more programs of care must ensure that they comply with all WSIB policies, guidance and regulations that cover the program(s) of care that a kinesiologist may deliver. Kinesiologists should be aware that, in some circumstances, they may not deliver the program of care without a referral from a primary care provider (such as a medical doctor, nurse practitioner, chiropractor, or physiotherapist).
 
It's also important to ensure that any invoices, billing activity, and fee schedules are compliant with WSIB standards, as well as the College’s Practice Standard – Fees and Billing.
 
The ability to deliver WSIB programs of care under the appropriate circumstances is one way that kinesiologists can contribute to the health and well-being of workers in Ontario.
How you can help families from Ukraine
The Ontario government recently launched a series of supports for Ukrainian families arriving under the new emergency travel authorization. Among the supports is access to Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP) coverage that includes health care services they may need.
 
The Ministry of Health has developed information for health care providers including a guidance document, Ukrainians Fleeing War: Early Assessment Considerations for Primary Care Providers. This information is intended to support primary health care providers in their early assessments and care of individuals arriving in Ontario who have been displaced due to the war in Ukraine.
 
The College recommends that kinesiologists apply their skills in communication, collaboration, and advocacy (among the Essential Competencies of Practice for Kinesiologists) to assist these initiatives and to promote a welcoming, engaging, and healthy environment for people fleeing conflict in their homeland.
 
We also encourage kinesiologists to be mindful of the unique circumstances affecting these individuals and families as they consider what kinesiology services, treatment, or care may be of the greatest benefit.
Refresher: Mandatory reporting
As regulated health care professionals, kinesiologists must always act in the public interest. Kinesiologists in Ontario are required to file mandatory reports with the College or other organizations (where applicable) when there may be a risk to public safety.

Mandatory reports must be filed within 30 days of the incident (or when the kinesiologist becomes aware of the incident). Circumstances where a mandatory report may be required include:

  • The kinesiologist suspects that child abuse or elder abuse has occurred or that a person may be in danger.
  • The kinesiologist believes that a patient/client may have been or is being sexually abused by a kinesiologist or other regulated health care provider.
  • The kinesiologist has been charged with or found guilty of an offense or is subject to any bail or similar restrictions.
  • A finding of professional malpractice or negligence is made against the kinesiologist.
  • The kinesiologist has reason to believe that a regulated health care professional (including another kinesiologist) may be incompetent or incapacitated.
  • The kinesiologist’s employment has been terminated (or the kinesiologist voluntarily resigns or restricts their practice) for reasons of incompetence, incapacity, or professional misconduct.

Question
Where should mandatory reports be sent?

Response
Check if your answer is correct at Mandatory Reporting or in the Practice Guideline – Mandatory Reporting.
Updating your information
Remember to let us know if there are any changes to your employment information, address or contact details including changes to your primary email address – within 30 days of the change.

To check the information we have on file for you, go to the Public Register

You can make changes using the Employment and Contact Information Change form on our website. You can also email the College at info@coko.ca if you have any questions.
Please do not unsubscribe if you are registered with the College. If you do unsubscribe, you will be contacted by staff to re-subscribe as the College primarily communicates to registrants via email. We strive to keep communications relevant and to a minimum. Information regarding registration matters (annual renewal deadline, quality assurance requirements, etc.), and important news and updates are sent via email. The College works on the assumption that all registrants receive all of our emails.