Ethics inquiries and complaints

Confidence in the integrity and reputation of the Manitoba Association of Osteopathic Manual Therapists (MAOMT) is very important. Currently at this time Osteopathy in Manitoba or Canada is not a regulated profession. The MAOMT is an association acts a self-regulating professional association in lieu of an official regulatory body but as an association they do not have the same authority as a regulatory governing body. As a not-for-profit, self-regulating professional association, the MAOMT must respond to complaints against members of its association by first assessing the individual’s complaint, and then taking the responsibility to mete out sanctions, if determined appropriate.

The purpose of self-regulation is to ensure a minimum standard of practice, professionalism and performance among the member's thereby ensuring the safety of the public and the association’s members. The practice of Osteopathy, of necessity, involves putting patients in vulnerable positions in terms of trust. As a result, the MAOMT is aware of the need to promote good practices to ensure safety for the public and the therapists.

The means of achieving self-regulation is through the MAOMT’s:

Code of Ethics
Standards of Practice

The Code of Ethics is intended to guide members in their behaviour and decision-making. It ensures that we are all aware of the expected standards of behaviour both in and related to the workplace and profession. The principles laid out in the Code of Ethics help to ensure the fair and equitable treatment of all. Its purpose is to ensure adherence to the highest standard of personal and professional behaviour that the public, members and patients have the right to expect.

The Standards of Practice is the professional standard by which a Member’s behaviour is judged in the complaints and discipline process. It is through the Standards of Practice that as an organization we ensure the protection of the public, members and patients.

MAOMT Members are obliged to adhere to both the Code of Ethics and the Standards of Practice.

As a self-regulating profession we must ensure that our members, patients and the public are proud of the services we provide. In order to achieve this goal we must demonstrate:

Transparency: Clarity of the standards by which our behaviour is judged.
Respect: Respect the needs of all individuals as a priority.
Consistency: Ensuring that practices (including the way in which we mitigate ethical issues) are uniform throughout the Association

Ethics/Complaint process

Once a complaint is made the ethics committee is engaged.

The Ethics/Investigation committee shall first determine the following:

whether the factual allegations are admitted or have been proved on a balance of probabilities based on clear, logical and convincing evidence.
whether the factual allegations breach the standards of practice or code of ethics
determine the severity of the complaint.

If a more focused investigation is needed with potential disciplinary action then it is escalated to the Judicial Subcommittee.

Disciplinary Proceedings

The Judicial/Disciplinary Subcommittee shall first determine the following:

whether the factual allegations are admitted or have been proved on a balance of probabilities based on clear, cogent and convincing evidence consistent with the seriousness of the matter and,
whether the facts admitted or proved constitute a breach of the Standards of Practice.

If the Judicial Subcommittee determines that there has been a breach of the Standards of Practice, it shall then hear any evidence or submissions on penalty and determine the appropriate penalty. The Judicial Subcommittee shall deliver a written decision and reasons to the parties and the MAOMT board.

The Association shall publish a copy or a summary of the final decision of the Judicial Subcommittee or the Appeals Committee in the Association’s newsletter and on the Association’s website. If a finding was made against the Member, the Member shall be identified in the publication.

Discipline decisions by the Judicial/Disciplinary Committee

ETHICS COMPLAINT FORM

Online versions are preferred however if you require a pdf form please contact the Ethics Administration office at ethics@osteopathymanitoba.org

Incident Date

Submission Date

Osteopathic Manual Therapist's Name

Location of Incident:

Incident Street Address

Street Address Line 2

City

Province

Postal code

Therapist's phone number

Therapist's email

Complaint Filed by:

First Name

Last Name

Relationship to OMT

Street Address

Street Address Line 2

City

Province

Postal code

Complaint Summary:

Complaint Witness if Applicable:

Please Identify the section (s) of the MAOMT Code of Ethics and Standards of Practice that you feel is purported to have been violated.

For the MAOMT Code of Ethics and Standards of Practice click here

Please upload and documentation (PDF) supporting your assertion to said violation(s).

Upload File

Initials

I declare that the info I’ve provided is accurate & complete

Electronic Signature

Thanks for your submission. The Ethics Committee is made up of volunteers and will get back to you as soon as they are able.

Ethics inquiries and complaints

ETHICS COMPLAINT FORM

Complaint Filed by:

For the MAOMT Code of Ethics and Standards of Practice click here Please upload and documentation (PDF) supporting your assertion to said violation(s).

For the MAOMT Code of Ethics and Standards of Practice click here

Please upload and documentation (PDF) supporting your assertion to said violation(s).