The British Columbia Association of Kinesiologists (“BCAK”) is a not-for-profit society and it is not a regulatory body.
- It does not have the legal power to regulate kinesiology and kinesiologists in British Columbia under the Health Professions Act.
- It does not have the legal authority to regulate or penalize non-Members, or to prevent non-Members from practicing kinesiology.
The BCAK has the ability to discipline (suspend or expel) Members for non-compliance with its bylaws, and various policies. All Members agree to be subject to these bylaws, policies, and practices when joining, and when renewing their memberships.
The BCAK requires professional (Practicing) Members comply with its code of ethics/conduct, Professional Practice Standards, Scope of Practice, and other policies to become, and to continue, as Members. All Practicing Members must comply with these policies to ensure that they practice in a competent, safe, and ethical manner, that the public is protected, and that the reputation of the BCAK, its Members, and the profession as a whole, are maintained to a high standard.
The role of the BCAK is to respond to complaints from the public, health care providers, and others about the professional conduct of a Member or Members. If it appears from the evidence provided that a BCAK Member’s professional conduct may be in breach of its code of ethics/conduct, Professional Practice Standards, or Scope of Practice, the BCAK will undertake an objective review of the complaint following the policy and procedures outlined below. In accordance with the BCAK’s constitution and bylaws, the process will be overseen by the Board of Directors (the “Board”). Any director who is, may be, or may be perceived to be, in a conflict of interest will be excluded from the process, including receipt of any information regarding the complaint, the process, and decision making.
What the BCAK cannot do
The BCAK does not have the authority to:
- order compensation for any harm that may have been done;
- to address business disputes between Members or between Members and other entities; or
- to direct how an employer supervises or disciplines a professional employed by the organization.
Any such claims, disputes, and actions must be made directly by a complainant to the Member.
The BCAK does not investigate complaints against non-Members and has limited, if any, jurisdiction over persons who were formerly Members but no longer are.
Filing a Complaint
All complaints must be submitted on the BCAK complaint form.
Complaints must be received by the BCAK within 1 year of the occurrence of the event(s) related to the alleged complaint, however this period will be extended in cases where the complaint relates to an act or acts which:
- were not, and could not reasonably have been known to the complainant at the time of occurrence, or
- relate to a person under any legal disability, including persons who are less than 19 years of age, and adults with a physical or mental disability preventing them from knowing of the matter complained of, or acting appropriately in relation to it.
*All complaints will initially be reviewed to determine if the person(s) complained about were, or are, Members of the BCAK. The BCAK has no jurisdiction over non-Members, and limited, if any, jurisdiction over persons who were formerly Members but no longer are.
Complaint forms received will be acknowledged immediately upon submission (auto reply), provided a valid email address has been entered in the Complaint Form.
Important points related to any complaint submission:
- The Member Kinesiologist(s) will be provided with a copy of the complaint form and they will be asked to provide a statement in response.
- The BCAK will contact any other health professionals, individuals, employers you have indicated (referred to as "other parties").
- The other parties will be requested to provide a statement to the BCAK related to the information they may have in relation to the complaint, and may be provided a copy of the complaint form, subject to privacy legislation requirements.
- The BCAK may collect information through interviews with these or other relevant parties prior to completing its review.
- The BCAK will provide a written decision to you and the Kinesiologist upon completion of the review.
Complaint Form Submission
There are two methods for submitting a complaint form.
Online Form Submission
- Access and complete the form using the link below, which will submit the form to the BCAK complaints department email. (We recommend downloading and keeping a copy for your records)
- If you have additional relevant documents that you would like to include with your complaint submission, please send in a separate email to: complaint@bcak.bc.ca with the subject: Complaint Documents - from [your first and last name]
- Note: Sending unencrypted documents by email attachment is not a highly secure method of transmission. If you are concerned about your online privacy, you may wish to send your correspondence via regular or registered letter mail, which may provide additional security. (see address below)
OR
Postal Mail/Courier Submission
- Access and complete the online form , download, print and send by letter mail or courier. (We recommend keeping a copy for your records)
- If you have additional relevant documents that you would like to include with your complaint submission, you may send along with the complaint form, or send by email to complaint@bcak.bc.ca with the subject: Complaint Documents - from [your first and last name]
- Note: Sending unencrypted documents by email attachment is not a highly secure method of transmission. If you are concerned about your online privacy, you may wish to send your correspondence via regular or registered letter mail, which may provide additional security. (see address below)
Click Here to access to the Complaint Form.
Address for Mailing/Courier of the Complaint Form and other relevant documents
Mark the envelope: Private & Confidential
Attn: BCAK Executive Director/President
BC Association of Kinesiologists
PO Box 64516
Coquitlam RPO Como Lake
BC V3J 7V7