COKO Professional Practice Written 2023 Questions and
Answers
What sentence best describes the roles of the College and professional
associations?
i. The College serves the public interest and the professional associations serve
the interests of the profession.
ii. The College and the professional associations both serve the public interest.
iii. The College and the professional associations both serve the interests of the
profession.
iv. The professional associations direct the operations of the College.
The best answer is i. The College's mandate is to regulate the profession in order to
serve and protect the public interest. Answer ii is not the best answer because
professional associations are designed to serve the interests of their members. While
professional associations care about the public interest and often take actions that
assist the public interest, they are under no statutory duty to do so and are accountable
only to their members. Answer iii is not the best answer because the College is not
permitted to serve the interests of its members under its statute. While it tries to ensure
that it regulates its members sensitively and fairly, and consults with its members, the
College's mandate is the public interest. Answer iv is not correct. While the College
consults with the professional associations and considers seriously their views and
respects their expertise, the College is not under the control of any professional
association.
Ethics Scenario:
David, a kinesiologist, is always polite to his patients/clients, in a formal way. He
feels good about himself. However, he often says "God" to express surprise. The
phrase means nothing to him and no one has ever expressed concerns about it.
One of his patients/clients, Paul, has shared that he is very religious. Whenever
David says "God" Paul flinches a bit. What should David do?
David notices and asks Paul if the use of the word "God" bothers Paul. Paul says that,
actually it does. David makes a point of not saying "God" anymore in front of Paul. After
discussing the incident with a colleague, David decides that the ethical thing for him to
do is to stop using the word "God" as an expression of surprise whenever he is with a
patient/client because David cannot tell in advance who will be offended. This relates to
the Code of Ethics that kins must follow.
Discontinuing Professional Services Scenario
Donna, a kinesiologist, wants to stop treating a patient/client because the patient/client
has stopped paying. She reads an article in the College's newsletter suggesting that
patients/clients should be given at least two weeks to find a new kinesiologist before
one stops treating the patient/client. Donna cannot see why she needs to see a
patient/client who is not paying for her services and does not follow the newsletter
suggestion. The patient/client experiences pain once the treatment stops and misses
ten days of work before the patient/client can find another kinesiologist to treat him. The
patient/client complains to the College. After investigating the complaint the College
requires Donna to appear before it to receive a verbal caution because Donna
,abandoned a patient/client who was in pain without giving the patient/client adequate
time to find another kinesiologist. The fact that Donna was not paid did not remove her
duty to the patient/client who was in pain.
David, a kinesiologist, is registered with the College. David's father is no longer
registered with the College. David's father sometimes drops into David's office to
treat his former long term patients/clients. The office assistant refers to David's
father as "Doctor" when booking patients/clients. A patient/client complains to
the College when her extended health insurance refused to pay for David's
father's services because he was unregistered. Is David at risk for his father's
conduct?
The answer is yes. It is professional misconduct to permit a person to hold themselves
out as practising the profession when they are not registered. Similarly, permitting a
person to illegally use the title "Doctor" in one's practice would often be seen as
professional misconduct if David knew about it. David condoned the conduct that
occurred at David's office. David, by being registered, gave credibility and status to the
illegal conduct of his father. David could face a discipline hearing.
Donna, a kinesiologist, does not really assess her patients/clients. She just asks
the patient/client what is wrong and then gives all of them exactly the same
treatment. A patient/client, Paula, came in with a serious condition. Donna did not
recognize it. Paula's condition worsened. Donna still did not recognize it. After
three months Paula went to the emergency department of the hospital and was
immediately diagnosed and treated correctly. What is this a case of?
This is an Incompetence Scenario. Paula complained to the College about Donna's
incompetence. The Inquiries, Complaints and Reports Committee looked at Donna's
records and heard Donna's explanation for what she had done. It sent the case to
discipline. The Discipline Committee agreed that Donna showed a lack of knowledge,
skill and judgment. It ordered Donna to participate in specific upgrading courses aimed
at assessment.
David, a kinesiologist, has been drinking a lot more alcohol the last few months.
He has been coming to work with a hangover. More recently he has been drinking
at lunch. One day David comes back after lunch drunk. Paul, a patient/client,
notices that David smells of alcohol and that David is stumbling around the
office. What is this a case of?
This is an Incapacity Scenario.
Paul tells the College. At first David denies he has a problem. However, during the
investigation, the College learns that some of David's colleagues have noticed a
significant change in David's behaviour in recent months. The College also learned that
David has been charged with impaired driving. The College sends David to a medical
specialist who diagnoses David with a serious substance abuse disorder. The College
encourages David to go for treatment at a treatment centre in his area. David agrees.
The matter is referred to the Fitness to Practise Committee. David and the College
agree to an order requiring David to stop drinking, attend Alcoholics Anonymous group
meetings, see his new substance abuse specialist regularly and have a colleague watch
David at work and send regular reports to the College.
The sentence "Kinesiologists are sensitive to the wishes of their patients/clients"
is most likely to be found in which of the following provisions?
, i. The definition of incapacity.
ii. The definition of incompetence.
iii. The definition of professional misconduct.
iv. Professional standards published by the College.
v. The Code of Ethics.
The best answer is v. Striving to be sensitive is an ideal that kinesiologists strive
towards. Answer i is not the best answer because incapacity deals with the
kinesiologist's health condition. Seriously insensitive behaviour may accompany some
illnesses (e.g., addictions), but it is the illness that must be treated first. Answer ii is not
the best answer because incompetence deals with kinesiologists having an adequate
level of knowledge, skill and judgment. Answer iii is not the best answer because
professional misconduct deals with the minimum conduct that is necessary to avoid
discipline. The corresponding professional misconduct provision would likely be that
kinesiologists shall not abuse their patients/clients. Answer iv is not the best answer
because professional standards deal with ways in which to practice safely, effectively
and professionally. A professional standard would likely provide practical suggestions
about how to practice sensitively (e.g., advice on how to listen to the patient/client first
before doing anything else.).
Consent Scenario No. 1
Donna, a kinesiologist, meets a new patient/client Paula. Paula complains about feeling
stressed and tired. Donna says: "I would like to fully understand your personal and
family background and your medical history. There could be a lot of things making you
feel tired and stressed and this information will help me try to figure out why. If you are
uncomfortable with any of my questions, please let me know. OK?" Donna has just
obtained informed consent for taking a full history.
Obtaining a broad consent (often called a "blanket consent") in writing from the
patient/client on his or her arrival at the office is probably a bad idea because:
i. The patient/client does not know if they will need someone to drive them home
afterwards.
ii. The patient/client does not have confidence in the kinesiologist yet.
iii. The patient/client does not know what they are agreeing to.
iv. The patient/client does not know how long the visit will be.
The best answer is iii. Informed consent requires the patient/client to understand the
nature, risks and side-effects of the specific procedure proposed by the kinesiologist, as
well as who will be performing the assessment or treatment. It is impossible for the
patient/client to know these things upon their arrival at the office. Answer i is not the
best answer because it focuses on a side-issue and does not address the main issue.
Answer ii is not the best answer because having confidence in the kinesiologist is not
enough for there to be informed consent. A patient/client may trust the kinesiologist and
that may motivate the giving of consent, but the patient/client still needs to know what
they are agreeing to. Answer iv is not the best answer because it focuses on a side-
issue and does not address the main issue.
Consent Scenario No. 2
David, a kinesiologist, proposes that his patient/client Paul take a vitamin and
mineral supplement. David says: "Try these: they will make you think more
clearly". Paul takes one immediately and buys a bottle from the receptionist.
Answers
What sentence best describes the roles of the College and professional
associations?
i. The College serves the public interest and the professional associations serve
the interests of the profession.
ii. The College and the professional associations both serve the public interest.
iii. The College and the professional associations both serve the interests of the
profession.
iv. The professional associations direct the operations of the College.
The best answer is i. The College's mandate is to regulate the profession in order to
serve and protect the public interest. Answer ii is not the best answer because
professional associations are designed to serve the interests of their members. While
professional associations care about the public interest and often take actions that
assist the public interest, they are under no statutory duty to do so and are accountable
only to their members. Answer iii is not the best answer because the College is not
permitted to serve the interests of its members under its statute. While it tries to ensure
that it regulates its members sensitively and fairly, and consults with its members, the
College's mandate is the public interest. Answer iv is not correct. While the College
consults with the professional associations and considers seriously their views and
respects their expertise, the College is not under the control of any professional
association.
Ethics Scenario:
David, a kinesiologist, is always polite to his patients/clients, in a formal way. He
feels good about himself. However, he often says "God" to express surprise. The
phrase means nothing to him and no one has ever expressed concerns about it.
One of his patients/clients, Paul, has shared that he is very religious. Whenever
David says "God" Paul flinches a bit. What should David do?
David notices and asks Paul if the use of the word "God" bothers Paul. Paul says that,
actually it does. David makes a point of not saying "God" anymore in front of Paul. After
discussing the incident with a colleague, David decides that the ethical thing for him to
do is to stop using the word "God" as an expression of surprise whenever he is with a
patient/client because David cannot tell in advance who will be offended. This relates to
the Code of Ethics that kins must follow.
Discontinuing Professional Services Scenario
Donna, a kinesiologist, wants to stop treating a patient/client because the patient/client
has stopped paying. She reads an article in the College's newsletter suggesting that
patients/clients should be given at least two weeks to find a new kinesiologist before
one stops treating the patient/client. Donna cannot see why she needs to see a
patient/client who is not paying for her services and does not follow the newsletter
suggestion. The patient/client experiences pain once the treatment stops and misses
ten days of work before the patient/client can find another kinesiologist to treat him. The
patient/client complains to the College. After investigating the complaint the College
requires Donna to appear before it to receive a verbal caution because Donna
,abandoned a patient/client who was in pain without giving the patient/client adequate
time to find another kinesiologist. The fact that Donna was not paid did not remove her
duty to the patient/client who was in pain.
David, a kinesiologist, is registered with the College. David's father is no longer
registered with the College. David's father sometimes drops into David's office to
treat his former long term patients/clients. The office assistant refers to David's
father as "Doctor" when booking patients/clients. A patient/client complains to
the College when her extended health insurance refused to pay for David's
father's services because he was unregistered. Is David at risk for his father's
conduct?
The answer is yes. It is professional misconduct to permit a person to hold themselves
out as practising the profession when they are not registered. Similarly, permitting a
person to illegally use the title "Doctor" in one's practice would often be seen as
professional misconduct if David knew about it. David condoned the conduct that
occurred at David's office. David, by being registered, gave credibility and status to the
illegal conduct of his father. David could face a discipline hearing.
Donna, a kinesiologist, does not really assess her patients/clients. She just asks
the patient/client what is wrong and then gives all of them exactly the same
treatment. A patient/client, Paula, came in with a serious condition. Donna did not
recognize it. Paula's condition worsened. Donna still did not recognize it. After
three months Paula went to the emergency department of the hospital and was
immediately diagnosed and treated correctly. What is this a case of?
This is an Incompetence Scenario. Paula complained to the College about Donna's
incompetence. The Inquiries, Complaints and Reports Committee looked at Donna's
records and heard Donna's explanation for what she had done. It sent the case to
discipline. The Discipline Committee agreed that Donna showed a lack of knowledge,
skill and judgment. It ordered Donna to participate in specific upgrading courses aimed
at assessment.
David, a kinesiologist, has been drinking a lot more alcohol the last few months.
He has been coming to work with a hangover. More recently he has been drinking
at lunch. One day David comes back after lunch drunk. Paul, a patient/client,
notices that David smells of alcohol and that David is stumbling around the
office. What is this a case of?
This is an Incapacity Scenario.
Paul tells the College. At first David denies he has a problem. However, during the
investigation, the College learns that some of David's colleagues have noticed a
significant change in David's behaviour in recent months. The College also learned that
David has been charged with impaired driving. The College sends David to a medical
specialist who diagnoses David with a serious substance abuse disorder. The College
encourages David to go for treatment at a treatment centre in his area. David agrees.
The matter is referred to the Fitness to Practise Committee. David and the College
agree to an order requiring David to stop drinking, attend Alcoholics Anonymous group
meetings, see his new substance abuse specialist regularly and have a colleague watch
David at work and send regular reports to the College.
The sentence "Kinesiologists are sensitive to the wishes of their patients/clients"
is most likely to be found in which of the following provisions?
, i. The definition of incapacity.
ii. The definition of incompetence.
iii. The definition of professional misconduct.
iv. Professional standards published by the College.
v. The Code of Ethics.
The best answer is v. Striving to be sensitive is an ideal that kinesiologists strive
towards. Answer i is not the best answer because incapacity deals with the
kinesiologist's health condition. Seriously insensitive behaviour may accompany some
illnesses (e.g., addictions), but it is the illness that must be treated first. Answer ii is not
the best answer because incompetence deals with kinesiologists having an adequate
level of knowledge, skill and judgment. Answer iii is not the best answer because
professional misconduct deals with the minimum conduct that is necessary to avoid
discipline. The corresponding professional misconduct provision would likely be that
kinesiologists shall not abuse their patients/clients. Answer iv is not the best answer
because professional standards deal with ways in which to practice safely, effectively
and professionally. A professional standard would likely provide practical suggestions
about how to practice sensitively (e.g., advice on how to listen to the patient/client first
before doing anything else.).
Consent Scenario No. 1
Donna, a kinesiologist, meets a new patient/client Paula. Paula complains about feeling
stressed and tired. Donna says: "I would like to fully understand your personal and
family background and your medical history. There could be a lot of things making you
feel tired and stressed and this information will help me try to figure out why. If you are
uncomfortable with any of my questions, please let me know. OK?" Donna has just
obtained informed consent for taking a full history.
Obtaining a broad consent (often called a "blanket consent") in writing from the
patient/client on his or her arrival at the office is probably a bad idea because:
i. The patient/client does not know if they will need someone to drive them home
afterwards.
ii. The patient/client does not have confidence in the kinesiologist yet.
iii. The patient/client does not know what they are agreeing to.
iv. The patient/client does not know how long the visit will be.
The best answer is iii. Informed consent requires the patient/client to understand the
nature, risks and side-effects of the specific procedure proposed by the kinesiologist, as
well as who will be performing the assessment or treatment. It is impossible for the
patient/client to know these things upon their arrival at the office. Answer i is not the
best answer because it focuses on a side-issue and does not address the main issue.
Answer ii is not the best answer because having confidence in the kinesiologist is not
enough for there to be informed consent. A patient/client may trust the kinesiologist and
that may motivate the giving of consent, but the patient/client still needs to know what
they are agreeing to. Answer iv is not the best answer because it focuses on a side-
issue and does not address the main issue.
Consent Scenario No. 2
David, a kinesiologist, proposes that his patient/client Paul take a vitamin and
mineral supplement. David says: "Try these: they will make you think more
clearly". Paul takes one immediately and buys a bottle from the receptionist.
