This article illustrates a real-life example of how a Registered Kinesiologist (R.Kin) works within a Family Health Team (FHT) in Ontario, highlighting their responsibilities that may impact your care and explaining your rights as a patient or client.

First Encounter with An R.Kin: What to Expect

You meet the R.Kin in a private exam room. As this is your first experience with kinesiology care, it is normal to have questions about what to expect during the visit.

The R.Kin introduces themselves, explains their role, and outlines how they may support your movement and functional goals. They take time to understand your concerns, medical history, and personal goals before proceeding.

Related COKO Standard and Your Rights as a Patient:

COKO’s Practice standard – Consent ensures that R.Kins respect your autonomy as a patient. One of the key ways this is demonstrated is through obtaining informed consent before providing any assessment or treatment.

This means the R.Kin is required to:

• Clearly explain what they plan to do and why;
• Discuss any potential risks, benefits, and available alternatives;
• Provide an opportunity for you to ask questions; and
• Obtain your consent before proceeding.

As a patient, you have the right to pause, ask questions or request clarification, or refuse or withdraw consent for any part of your assessment or treatment at any time.

Receiving An Assessment

The R.Kin explains that they will complete an assessment to better understand your needs and goals. They describe each step before beginning and check in with you throughout the process.

During the assessment, they may ask you to perform specific movements or activities to evaluate your condition. Based on their findings, the R.Kin will develop a personalized exercise plan to support your movement and functional goals.

Related COKO Standard and Your Rights as a Patient:

COKO’s Practice Guideline – Scope of Practice, Controlled Acts and Delegation helps ensure that the care you receive is safe, appropriate, and within the defined scope of kinesiology as set out in the Kinesiology Act, 2007.

This means:

• The R.Kin only provides assessments and interventions they are educated, trained, and authorized to perform;
• If your needs fall outside their scope, they will discuss this with you and, with your consent, may refer you to another health professional;
• Controlled acts are performed only when appropriately delegated to an authorized health professional, in accordance with applicable legislation, regulations, and professional standards.

In accordance with COKO’s Practice Standard – Record Keeping, the R.Kin must document all patient/client encounters accurately, clearly, and in a timely manner. Records are stored securely to protect privacy and confidentiality. Proper documentation supports continuity of care, communication within your care team, and accountability in the delivery of safe and ethical care.

As a patient, you have the right to receive safe, ethical, and competent care from any R.Kin. You also have the rights, subject to limited and specific exceptions set out in the Personal Health Information Protection Act (PHIPA) to request access to your record, and to request that corrections be made. If you have concerns about your care, you may contact COKO. Protecting the public is COKO’s legislative mandate.

Coordinated Care with a Family Health Team

Within a FHT, R.Kins often work collaboratively with other health professionals—such as physicians, nurses, dietitians, social workers, and respiratory therapists—to support coordinated and patient/client-centred care.

Following your assessment, in accordance with COKO’s Practice Standard – Consent and other consent and privacy requirements, the R.Kin may share relevant information with your primary care provider and other practitioners involved in your care. This helps ensure that:

• Everyone involved in your care has a shared understanding of your health needs, goals, and progress; and
• Care provided by different practitioners is coordinated and consistent.

For example, when your needs involve multiple factors, such as physical function, chronic conditions, or lifestyle considerations, the R.Kin may communicate with other providers to help ensure that their exercise recommendations align with the overall care plan.

Related COKO Standard and Your Rights as a Patient:

COKO’s Practice Standard – Professional Collaboration  helps ensure that coordinated care is delivered safely, ethically, and effectively. Each regulated professional remains individually accountable to their own standards of practice, ethical obligations, and legal requirements.

This means that the R.Kin is expected to:

• Communicate clearly and share relevant information appropriately with other members of your care team; and
• Practise within their professional scope while contributing their expertise to your care.
• Provide collaborative and concurrent care that is in your best interest, and
• Provide collaborative and concurrent care that is an ethical and efficient use of resources.

As a patient, you have the right to:

• Know how your information is shared and who is involved in your care;
• Receive safe, coordinated care;
• Be informed about whether your care or services may be covered by insurance or other funding programs.