Background

The practice of kinesiology has existed in many jurisdictions, including Ontario, for several years, but was not previously regulated under the Regulated Health Professions Act (RHPA), 1991. In working towards regulating the profession, the scope of practice was defined after deliberation and consultation with members of the profession and other stakeholders including the Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care and other health care professions.

The scope of practice was designed to fully encompass the activities that kinesiologists undertook before regulation. The scope recognizes that kinesiologists may practice within specific yet varied areas, and allows COKO to consider registering practitioners with substantially equivalent educational and experiential background. However, it is important that all registrants fully understand the legal framework that governs the scope of practice.

The scope of practice for kinesiology has been broadly defined in the Kinesiology Act, 2007 as: “The assessment of human movement and performance and its rehabilitation and management to maintain, rehabilitate or enhance movement and performance.“

This definition allows for the diversity of settings in which members practice and also reflects the practice of kinesiology not just as rehabilitative, but as a discipline aimed at improving health and general wellness. However, there are limits to what a Registered Kinesiologist can and cannot do.

COKO’s Practice Guideline

In order to clarify the scope of practice of kinesiology, COKO has established a Practice Guideline – Scope of Practice, Controlled Acts and Delegation to address:

• The scope of practice of kinesiology,
• The nature of and restrictions on the performance of Controlled Acts (as listed in section 27(2) of the Regulated Health Professions Act,1991 (RHPA), and
• When a kinesiologist may accept delegation of a Controlled Act from another regulated health care professional in Ontario.

Considerations

Registered Kinesiologists must consider the following when determining whether a given modality, treatment, care or service might be appropriate for your patient(s)/client(s):

• Does it fall within the scope of kinesiology practice as defined in the Kinesiology Act, 2007?
• Does it require performing any of the Controlled Acts set out in the RHPA, 1991?
  • If so, you may only provide that modality, treatment, care or service if it has been appropriately delegated.
• Do I have the appropriate knowledge, skill and judgement to provide the modality, treatment, care or service safely and effectively (this may include having the ability to manage foreseeable adverse events)?