The Health Professions Act requires that all regulatory health colleges, including the College of Acupuncturists of Alberta, establish a fund to provide treatment or counselling for patients who have experienced sexual abuse or sexual misconduct by an acupuncturist. This fund is referred to as the patient relations program.
Overview
- The patient relations program is available once a complaint of sexual abuse or misconduct is made.
- Funding is available for 5 years or until all funding is used, whichever comes first.
- Funding ends if the complaint is dismissed or there are no findings.
- The maximum amount of funding available is equivalent to 100 hours of psychiatric counselling at the rate set in the Schedule of Medical Benefits published by the Government of Alberta.
Access funding
Funding may only be used to pay for treatment and counselling related to the complaint. Treatment must be provided by a licensed therapist or counsellor.
The College contracts a third party to administer the program. After confirming a patient’s eligibility for funding and counselling, the College will provide information about how to access the program.
Additional resources
There are a number of resources that are available to help you obtain the supports and resources that you need.