Prepared For: the College of Homeopaths of Ontario

Prepared for: The College of Homeopaths of Ontario

By: A. Hadziomerovic

Human Resource Systems Group, Ltd.

Revised: November 13, 2014

Updated: December 16, 2016

© 2016 College of Homeopaths of Ontario. All rights reserved.

Table of Contents

Overview

Governing the Profession of Homeopathy

Registration Requirements

Determining Eligibility for Registration

Homeopathy Individual Assessment

Organization of the Guide

Before You Begin

SECTION 1: Submitting Information

SECTION 2: Developing Homeopathic Cases and Essay

Developing Homeopathic Cases

Case Development Guidelines

Homeopathic Case Factors

Sample Cases

Sample Case 1: Chronic Case of Joint Pain and Depression

Sample Case 2: Acute Case of Child with Ear Pain

Developing the Homeopathic Essay

Essay Development Guidelines

Homeopathic Essay Factors

Sample Essay

Homeopathy Principles

SECTION 3: Self-Assessment Form

SECTION 4: What to Expect upon Completion of Individual Assessment

Transparency, Objectivity, Impartiality and Fairness

Eligibility Criteria

Full Registration Class

Eligibility Requirements not Met

Assessment Process

Reassessment Process

Request for IA Review

Appeals Process

Appendix A

Congratulatory Letter

Appendix B

Applicant Summary Form

Glossary

© 2016, College of Homeopaths of Ontario. All rights reserved.

1

Overview

Under the Regulated Health Professions Act, 1991 (RHPA), the Homeopathy Act, 2007 is set to come into effect in 2014. Regulating professions that provide health care to individuals is particularly important because it helps protect the public from harm. It also serves to reassure the public that the regulated professional will provide a certain standard of care and act in a safe, ethical and consistent manner.

Governing the Profession of Homeopathy

The College of Homeopaths of Ontario (the College) is responsible for establishing the processes and framework for professional governance, which include:

• Establishing registration requirements for individuals wishing to practice in the field of homeopathy,
• Ensuring that practitioners maintain the established standards of practice, and
• Addressing professional misconduct.

Once these steps have been implemented, the remaining provisions of the Homeopathy Act, 2007 will be put into full force and the College will be proclaimed to assume its full regulatory duties.

Registration Requirements

For an individual to become a regulated practitioner of homeopathy, he or she must meet the standards established by the College. Having demonstrated that they meet the standards allows practitioners to use a protected title and call themselves a “Homeopath”, signalling to the public that they have met the requirements to practice homeopathy in Ontario.

The registration regulation includes a number of requirements for a practitioner to become a registrant of the College. These requirements deal with such issues as providing evidence of good character, English or French fluency, as well as being able to demonstrate that the applicant is a knowledgeable and competent practitioner in homeopathy through individual assessment of competence.

For more information on Registration Requirements, see .

Note to Readers: In the event of any inconsistency between this document and the legislation that affects homeopathic practice, the legislation governs.

IMPORTANT

Determining Eligibility for Registration

The Individual Assessment (IA) is a requirement for all applicants who are eligible for registration in Full class. DO NOT complete the IA until eligibility for Full class registration has been determined.

1. Have you graduated from an approved program in homeopathy in Ontario in the last 12 months?

Yes (Proceed to prepare and submit Individual Assessment.)

No (Contact the CHO for more information on next steps.)

1. Have you received pre-approval from CHO to complete the Individual Assessment?

Yes (Proceed to prepare and submit Individual Assessment.)

No (Contact the CHO for more information on next steps.)

1. Did you submit an application for registration to CHO prior to April 2, 2016 and have not yet completed your IA or are resubmitting your IA?

Yes (Proceed to prepare and submit Individual Assessment.)

No (Contact the CHO for more information on next steps.)

1. If you answered "yes" to any of the above, proceed to complete this form and the individual assessment. If you answeredno to all three, please contact CHO Registration Staff at , 416-862-4804 or visit the College’s website at for more details on determining eligibility.

Any individual who has not graduated from an approved program in homeopathy in Ontario is required to undergo a Substantially Equivalent Competence Assessment (SECA) which reviews the individual’s education and training compared to the criteria set by the College of Homeopaths of Ontario’s (CHO or the College) regulation, policy and Competency Profile for Entry-to-Practice Homeopaths Practising in Ontario. Eligibility must be determined prior to completing registration requirements such as Individual Assessment, Jurisprudence course, certification in healthcare provider CPR and standard first aid, criminal background check, proof of professional liability insurance ordeclaration regarding character and any past or present registration with another regulatory body.

A SECA review shows the College how your knowledge and practice compares to what is expected of homeopaths trained in Ontario. The SECA process reviews your homeopathy education and clinical training and looks at the competencies taught and evaluated in your homeopathy studies. The applicant’s education and training must be successfully completed, and may include a variety of education and training approaches.

Entry-to-practice competencies are the competencies that new graduates from an approved Ontario homeopathy program have. If there are differences, the individual seeking eligibility for registration with the College may need more education in certain topics before completing the College’s registration process. SECA does not look at expert levels of homeopathy practice. Even if you practise in a highly specialized area, your knowledge and practice is compared to the entry-to-practice competencies.

Homeopathy Individual Assessment

As part of the registration requirements, applicants must demonstrate that they have the knowledge, skill and judgment to safely and effectively practice homeopathy. The knowledge, skill and judgment required for entry to practice into homeopathy are outlined in the Competency Profile for Entry‐to‐Practice Homeopaths Practising in Ontario (February, 2012).

The following sections describe the steps required to provide evidence of prior learning as part of the registration requirements. This evidence is referred to as Individual Assessment.

Organization of the Guide

The guide is organised into four main sections which provide all the information necessary for youto understand how to submit content to demonstrate competence in homeopathy.

Section 1–Submitting Information

This section will guide youthrough the process of submitting yourIndividual Assessment application package.

Section 2 – Developing Homeopathic Cases and an Essay

This section will provide you with guidelines on how to develop content to meet the assessment criteria. Two cases and an essay are provided as examplesof content that meets the assessment criteria. These examples were reviewed and approvedby a committee of homeopathy practitioners.

Section 3 – Self-Assessment Form

A sample Self-Assessment Form is provided. The form contains the assessment criteria and provides guidelines on how the criteria need to be addressed.

Section 4 – What to Expect upon Completion of Individual Assessment

This section decribes what youcan expect upon completion of assessment and the reassessment process. Processes that have been established for challenging the assessment findings are also described.

Before You Begin

1. Complete the Individual Assessment Application Form found on the College’s website. The Individual Assessment Application Form includes payment information and a fee structure. Your application fee must be paid before you can submit your Individual Assessment application package.

1. Read the Applicant Guide and the Self-Assessment Form that are provided as part of your Individual Assessment application package.

1. Read the Professional Practice Standards and Guidelines. These documents have been designed to be both educational and prescriptive: educational so as to help you understand the requirements of the standards and guidelines; and, prescriptive so as to help you understand how you can use the standards in your practice. These are found on the College’s website.

1. Review the Competency Profile for Entry‐to‐Practice Homeopaths Practising in Ontario(competencies) found on the College’s website. The competencies will help you understand how to structure your content to meet the assessment criteria.

1. This is a process that will take time to complete. Do not try to do everything at once. Take time to plan your approach and schedule your time accordingly.

1. You will need to submitone essay and three cases in order to comprehensively demonstrate your knowledge, skill and judgment in homeopathy. Follow the guidelines provided in the Self-Assessment Form.

APPLICATION: The recommended maximumis 33 pages, typed, single-spaced, 12-point font or 16,500 words.

SECTION 1: Submitting Information

Before you get started, it is important to understand the components you will need to submit as part of your application.

You must first submit an Individual Assessment Application Form. The application form includes the fee that you must pay before you submit your Individual Assessment application package.

The quickest and easiest way to submit your Individual Assessment Application Form and Individual Assessment Application Package is to submit your materials electronically.

If you chose to submit your application through email, you must submit the following components:

Proof of payment according to the Fee Schedule found on the “Individual Assessment Application Form”

A signed Individual Assessment Consent Form

A photocopy of government-issued photo identification (ID)(Drivers License, Passport) with an original signature on the photocopy that must match the signature on the photo ID

One homeopathic essay (2 copies, one in non-editable, e.g., .pdf ANDone editable, e.g., MS Word format)

Three homeopathic cases(2 copies, one in non-editable, e.g., .pdf ANDone editable, e.g., MS Word format)

Supporting information such as anonymized patient intake forms, confidentiality forms or brochures

You canalso email your application to:Administrator (Homeopathy Individual Assessment),

Make sure that you do NOT include any identifying information WITHIN your essay, cases or supporting information such as your name, name of your clinic, address, patient name, patient address, or names of other practitioners or clinics you may be affiliated with.

In order to avoid delays and to ensure accuracy in assessment, information should be typed. If necessary, information can be prepared on paper and submitted by mail. If you chose this option please ensure the information is clear and easy to read.

Cases must be current in the three (3) years immediately prior to submitting your application.

If you wish to mail your application, please mail four (4) copies of your homeopathic cases and essay and supporting information to the address below:

Human Resource Systems Group Ltd.

c/o Administrator (Homeopathy Individual Assessment)

6 Antares Dr., Phase 2, Suite 100

Ottawa, ON, K2E 8A9

Fax: 613-745-4019

Phone: 613-745-6605, ext. 370

Toll free: 1-866-574-7041, ext. 370

Failure to submit the required materials may result in your application being returned or a delay in the assessment of your application.
It is your responsibility to ensure that you submit a full and complete package. All packages will be assessed as submitted.

SECTION 2: Developing Homeopathic Cases and Essay

Developing Homeopathic Cases

You need to demonstrate the following six assessment categories in your cases:

1. Initial Intake
2. Case Taking - Consultation
3. Patient Communication and Rapport
4. Case AnalysisRepertorisation
5. Selection and Dispensing of Medicines
6. Case Management and Follow-up

These categories are organized in a logical progression illustrating how a practitioner would normally structure his/her case. The categories are based on the Competency Profile for Entry‐to‐Practice Homeopaths Practising in Ontario.

The competencies are organized under the six categories as follows:

Category / Competencies

1. Initial Intake

/ 2.25, 2.26

1. Case Taking - Consultation

/ 2.28

1. Patient Communication and Rapport

/ 2.30

1. Case Analysis & Repertorisation

/ 2.33, 2.8, 2.9, 2.19, 2.35, 2.6, 2.34, 2.32, 2.21, 2.36

1. Selection and Dispensing of Medicines

/ 2.37, 2.38, 2.39, 2.40

1. Case Management and Follow-up

/ 2.43, 2.46

CASES: As a suggested rule, the total length of cases submitted should be a maximum of 25 pages, typed, single-spaced, 12-point font, or 12,500 words.

To be eligible to apply for Full Registration Class, you must demonstrate ALL six (6) of the case categories at least two times throughout your cases.

The following guidelines were developed to help you structure your cases.

Case Development Guidelines

1. Cases must be current in the three (3) years immediately prior to submitting your application.

2.Keep the case anonymous by removing the identifying details and any patient initials, name(s), or contact information from the case.

3.The case needs to be edited in a way to allow a full explanation of the symptoms as they relate to the competencies that need to be covered.

4.Use cases that demonstrate the effective use of homeopathy as defined in Organon of Medicine. Choose cases where you can clearly demonstrate how your actions (e.g., homeopathic prescription and/or treatment) led to patient improvement.

5.Provide a description of the case – subject, patient, and the complaint/issue.

6.The case is given in the words of the patient throughout the case consultations, edited as necessary for brevity, but including the important aspects of the case. The patient description can be reported using first person or third person with the intent being to capture the patient’s experience.

7.The dates of theinitial visit and every follow-up visitare recorded.

8.The case is analyzed based on observedand relevant symptoms. The identifiedrepertory is followed or Materia Medica is searched.

9.In the repertorization, the practitioner indicates which source was used. Rubrics are noted correctly as found in the repertory or Materia Medica. If necessary for clarity, practitioners may want to explain why specific rubrics were included.

10.A list of remedies havebeen selectedbased on aetiology, characteristic symptoms,the results of repertorization, miasmatic terrain, etc., or whatever the practitioner felt was important.

11.Descriptions of what you considered to be unique in the case, apart from general symptoms, are identified.

12.The applicant’s thinking about the remedies selected is shown with the comparative Materia Medica discussion, as may be required. The practitioner notes other relevant texts referenced in the investigation to support the case.

13.The practitioner explains the final remedy selection, indicating the potency, frequency and dosageand explains the thinking behind these choices.

14.In follow-up consultations, the (edited) patient report is given in the patient’s own words(see point 5, above), followed by the practitioner's assessment of symptoms showing the practitioner’s thoughts on what has improved or changed, and how that influences the decisions on the case.

15.Case management–in each follow up, the practitioner has noted any changes orimprovement in the patient’s health and explains any action taken and the reason why that action was chosen.

Homeopathic Case Factors

You should review your cases against the following factors. These factors will help ensure that the content in your cases demonstrates the six assessment criteria.

Currency
DO / DON’T
Make sure to date your case and supporting information. The case-based information provided and referenced must have occurred within three years of application.
If a case is based on a long-standing patient (e.g., chronic case), a timeline of patient interaction should be included. The case can be started at an earlier period, however there has to be a proper follow-up and focus should be on activities and treatment within the past three years of application.
Exerts of information, supporting knowledge, skill and judgment can be older than three years. / Do not use patient cases or follow-upswhichoccurred earlier than three years of the date of this application.
Relevance
DO / DON’T
The information is relevant to homeopathic practice and the examples provided demonstrate knowledge, skill and judgment that can be applied to a typical homeopathic clinical patient setting within the scope of practice of homeopathy. / Do not use information that is not relevant to the homeopathic practice or that is based on non-human patients[1].
Quality
DO / DON’T
Make sure the information in a case is presented in a logical progression from observation through prioritization, repertorization, Materia Medica, and final remedy selection.

• Main patient complaints are covered
• Shows understanding of main issues that need to be cured
• Each case includes: concise, clearly illustrated symptom picture; articulate evaluation; identification of keynotes, miasmatic patterns and repertorization, where applicable; explanation of the homeopathic thought process; effective Materia Medica reference; remedy selection and posology; and follow-up.

The cases can be written in many different styles but the content and the inclusion of these features remain the same. / Do not include any information that could disclose a patient’s identity.
Do not omit important steps that are relevant to the understanding of the case.

Sample Cases

The sample cases were developed and reviewed by a panel of subject matter experts (experienced homeopaths), and represent the variety of cases that can be developed to demonstrate competence in homeopathy.

Sample Case 1: Chronic Case of Joint Pain and Depression

Chronic - 45 year old male complaining of joint pain and depression.

File opened and file number identifier assigned.

The case was taken on 10 December 2011.

The patient is a 45 year old male, referred to me by a homeopath who was related to him and wanted me to treat him. The patient provided consent to my colleague to discuss his file with me.Prior to agreeing to see the patient, I contacted the homeopath and discussed the patient’s case and asked him to provide all supporting documents.

I provided the patient with information about the nature of homeopathic treatment, prognosis, treatment expectations, nature and safety of medicine and fee schedule. An intake form was completed. After discussion with the patient I asked him to sign a consent form for the treatment, which I placed in the patient’s file. I also explained to the patient that all the information he provides is confidential and who will have access to it. The possibility of follow-up visits was also discussed.