Involuntary Removal Policy

This policy outlines the procedures for removing a candidate from the Supervised Practice Experience program due to consistent failure to attend supervision sessions, disregard for supervisor feedback, practicing in states in which practice is illegal, engaging in unsafe practices with clients, or other professional misconduct. The primary aim is to maintain the integrity of the program and ensure the safety and well-being of clients.

Grounds for Removal:

  • Consistent failure to schedule and/or attend and/or participate in Core Programming without valid reasons.

  • Persistent disregard for supervisor feedback and failure to demonstrate improvement in performance.

  • Performing medical nutrition therapy with clients that are located in states in which practice is not permitted.

  • Engaging in dangerous or unethical practices with clients, compromising their well-being.

  • Other professional misconduct.

Supervisory Intervention:

  • Upon noticing concerning behavior or performance issues, the candidate's supervisor will first attempt to address the issue through constructive feedback and guidance, both verbal and written.

  • The Program Director documents instances of lack of attendance/participation in Core Programming.

  • The Program Director and/or Supervisor(s) will document lack of improvement despite feedback, and any unsafe practices observed and this documentation will be published to the candidate.

Formal Warning:

  • If the issues persist despite supervisory intervention, the candidate will receive a formal written warning outlining the concerns, expectations for improvement, and consequences of continued non-compliance.

  • The candidate will be given a specified period to rectify the issues and demonstrate satisfactory progress. This period will depend on the specific circumstances in the case, and will be documented and provided to the candidate.

Review and Decision:

  • After the warning period, the Program Director, in consultation with relevant stakeholders such as program leadership and supervisors, will conduct a thorough review of the candidate's performance and behavior.

  • The decision to remove the candidate from the program will be made based on the severity of the issues, the candidate's response to the warning, and the potential impact on client safety and program integrity.

Notification and Dismissal:

  • If the decision is made to remove the candidate from the program, they will be formally notified in writing.

  • The candidate will be provided with details regarding the reasons for dismissal and any applicable appeals process.

  • The candidate will be required to cease all activities related to the Supervised Practice Experience immediately upon notification.

Appeals Process:

  • The candidate will have the opportunity to appeal the decision within 15 days, providing any relevant evidence or explanations.

  • The candidate will complete a form, which includes a personal statement. The completed form is redacted to remove any identifying information such as name, age, ethnicity.

  • The Program Director provides an anonymized summary of participation in Core Programming and any documentation related to the reason for pursuing removal.

  • The Program Director forms a Committee of three Clinician’s Incubator supervisors and the Program Director asks committee members to review the anonymous form and vote secretly on the appeal.

  • The decision of the Committee is final.

Confidentiality:

  • All information related to the removal process, including discussions, warnings, and decisions, will be treated with strict confidentiality to protect the privacy of the candidate involved with the exception of any documentation of supervision which needs to be provided to the BCNS.

Refunds:

Depending on the payment service the candidate used, they may be eligible for a refund or may be balance billed. Refunded amounts are considered annually, and may be subject to change.

It is the responsibility of all candidates to adhere to the standards, guidelines, and expectations outlined in this policy. Removal from the program due to non-compliance will be implemented with careful consideration of all factors involved, prioritizing the safety and well-being of clients and the integrity of the Supervised Practice Experience program.