Changing Perspectives on Record Keeping
In many past sessions of the Regulatory Education Program (REP), patient records were identified as a critical component in reducing risks to both patients and practitioners. The importance of properly maintaining and securing patient records had been consistently emphasized and could not be understated.
This session of the REP further solidified this message for registrants, reinforcing that maintaining records is a high-priority responsibility and not an afterthought. Beyond reviewing the regulatory requirements, the session also revisited how effective record-keeping had been central to numerous previous topics discussed in REP sessions. These included issues such as sexual abuse prevention, telepractice, informed consent, scope of practice, mandatory reporting, complaint management, and delegation.
Participants explored the many elements that make up a comprehensive patient record. This included appointment logs, financial documentation, patient charts, and the distinctions between electronic and manual records. The session also reviewed the specific requirements set out in the Standard of Practice for maintaining patient records.
Those who attended gained valuable insights into the foundational role that record-keeping plays across all aspects of professional practice, helping to enhance accountability, ensure compliance, and ultimately protect the well-being of patients
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PRESENTERS
Dr. Kim Bretz, ND
Dr. Kim Bretz, ND is a naturopathic doctor working and living in the 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 the Human Nature Network, a nationally syndicated radio program through 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.
Natalia Vasilyeva
Director, Regulatory Affairs
Natalia Vasilyeva is the Director, Regulatory Affairs with the College of Naturopaths of Ontario. In this role Natalia oversees the development, maintenance and delivery of the program areas: Professional Conduct, Inspections, Quality Assurance, Patient Relations, Standards, Regulatory Education and Guidance, Consultations, Equity, Diversity, Inclusion, and Belonging Program and Risk-based Regulation.
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.