As the regulator for kinesiology in Ontario, CKO sets the minimum standards that all kinesiologists must follow when practising kinesiology. We also develop Practice Guidelines and share practice advice to help kinesiologists better understand the expectations and adhere to CKO’s Practice Standards.
Over the past few months, we’ve received an increasing amount of inquiries about the Record Keeping Practice Standard – we’ve developed a scenario to help guide you and refresh your memory:
Scenario: A kinesiologist is involved in a transfer of care process as they are closing their practice. The kinesiologist’s patient/client has identified their new care provider, who has requested access to the kinesiologist’s electronic records system to review patient/client records for continuity of care. What should the kinesiologist do?
Response: The kinesiologist should consider the following:
- Section 4 of the Record Keeping Practice Standard – Closing or transferring a practice, which describes the need to notify patients/clients and receive their informed consent to disclose their personal health information and other personal information;
- The risk of a privacy breach – only disclose the necessary record(s);
- Be aware of whether the user license for the electronic records system may be shared or transferable in the event the other care provider takes over the kinesiologist’s entire practice; and
- Seek appropriate legal expertise and advice regarding closing their practice to ensure compliance with all applicable legislation, such as the Personal Health Information Protection Act (PHIPA), 2004.
Questions? Contact Brian Fehst, Manager of Professional Practice, at professionalpractice@coko.ca.