Considerations for Obtaining Informed Consent
Session details
đź“… Date: Monday September 21, 2026
⏰ Time: 12:00 p.m. – 1:00 p.m. ET
đź“Ť Location: Zoom webinar
đź“– CEs: 1 Category A (Jurisprudence)
This Regulatory Education Program (REP) session provides a practical overview of the requirements for valid, informed, and voluntary consent in naturopathic practice. Building on our past REP (Navigating the Complexities of Consent), participants will learn what information patients need to make informed decisions about their care, from the nature and expected benefits of the intervention to its material risks, side effects, and reasonable alternatives. The session will also address the implications of declining care, associated costs, and the patient’s right to withdraw consent.
Grounded in key legislation and professional standards, including the Health Care Consent Act, 1996, Naturopathy Act, 2007, and the CoNO Informed Consent Guideline, the session highlights how consent requirements apply in everyday clinical practice. Participants will gain insight to support patient understanding and capacity, work with substitute decision-makers, and document consent throughout care.
Key takeaways:
- Understand the legislative and regulatory requirements for valid, informed, and voluntary consent.
- Identify the information required for informed decision-making, including patient understanding, capacity, and the role of substitute decision-makers.
- Apply requirements for documenting initial and ongoing consent in clinical practice.
Register now to prepare for informed consent decisions in practice.
PRESENTERS
Dr. Shelley Burns
Naturopathic Doctor
Dr. Shelley Burns, ND is co-owner of Pomegranate Healthcare, a multidisciplinary clinic in Toronto. With extensive experience in executive health, she collaborates with physicians to support clients in achieving peak wellness.
Shelley completed the four-year program at the Canadian College of Naturopathic Medicine (CCNM), receiving the NaturoMedic Award for proficiency in naturopathic medicine. she also holds a BA in Psychology and Philosophy from Wilfrid Laurier University, a certification in Complementary and Integrative Medicine from Harvard Medical School, a Master of Laws in Health Law from Osgoode Hall Law School, and a Global Executive MBA in Healthcare and Life Sciences from the Rotman School of Management.
Shelley is a past chair of the Ontario Association of Naturopathic Doctors and currently serves on the Registration Committee, Governance Committee, and Chairs the Finance, Audit & Risk Committee of the College. She supervises at the Robert Schad Naturopathic Clinic (RSNC) and has contributed to Skin Deep magazine, Maclean’s, The Toronto Star, and The Medical Post. She has also appeared on CTV and spoken at healthcare conferences across North America on naturopathic and preventive medicine.
Natalia Vasilyeva
Director, Regulatory Affairs
Natalia Vasilyeva is the Director, Regulatory Affairs with the College of Naturopaths of Ontario, a role in which she oversees the Complaints and Reports Program for the College and supports both the Inquiries, Complaints and Reports Committee and the Discipline Committee.