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The Ongoing Battle: BDDTN vs. Dr. Michael A. Prytula, ND

Explore the conflict between the Board of Directors of Drugless Therapy-Naturopathy and Dr. Michael A. Prytula, ND spanning 1998-2010 regarding ozone therapy, IV therapies, and chelation treatments. Follow the chronology of events and regulatory challenges faced in Ontario.

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The Ongoing Battle: BDDTN vs. Dr. Michael A. Prytula, ND

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  1. Board of Directors of Drugless Therapy-Naturopathy (BDDTN) -Ontario’s Licensing Board for Naturopathic Doctors (ND) vs. Dr. Michael A. Prytula, ND Chronology of Events 1998- 2010

  2. BDDTN vs. Dr. Prytula, ND • Over ten years ago the BDDTN promised the Ontario profession that ozone would be regulated shortly. April 1997: BDDTN Policy Regarding the use of Ozone Therapy, Intravenous Therapy and Injection Therapy: "Ozone therapy, Intravenous therapy of vitamins and minerals, and Injection therapy are considered part of the scope of practice of naturopathic medicine and are used in several regulated jurisdictions.  OZONE THERAPY: .... To approve the practice of ozone therapy, the board must, in the best interest of public protection, set the following criteria: • a) certification of training from a board approved ozone association or school • b) use of equipment approved by the board • c) approved standards of practice for ozone therapy

  3. BDDTN vs. Dr. Prytula, ND • Jan 9,1998: Dr. Prytula, ND approached the BDDTN to confirm that EDTA Chelation and Ozone are part of Ontario ND’s scope of practice. • Feb 12,1998: Jim Spring, BDDTN Chairman, stated that an ad hoc BDDTN committee was created to create standards for EDTA Chelation and Ozone. • July 8,1998: BDDTN directed Dr. Prytula, ND to cease and desist in doing IV therapies including EDTA Chelation and Ozone. • Oct 8, 1998: Dr. Prytula, ND wrote asking why BDDTN permits Dr. Paul Saunders ND to perform IV therapies including EDTA Chelation and Ozone. • May 12, 1999: BDDTN brought charges against Dr. Prytula ND for performing IV therapies including EDTA Chelation and Ozone.

  4. BDDTN vs Dr Michael A. Prytula NDChronology of Events: • On Nov 4,2000 the OAND sponsored a panel discussion on Ozone, Chelation and IV Therapy. • On the panel was Paul Saunders ND, Garrett Swetlickoff ND (BC), Brian Timothy ND (BDDTN rep) and Moderator Jim Spring ND (former chair of the BDDTN).

  5. BDDTN vs Dr Michael A. Prytula NDChronology of Events: • On Feb 9, 2001 the BDDTN wrote a letter to registrants about an OAND sponsored course on Chelation Therapy put on by ISCT. • The letter warned that Chelation is not yet accepted and the course was offered on Feb 17 and 18, 2001.

  6. BDDTN vs Dr Michael A. Prytula NDChronology of Events: • In June 2001 the BDDTN released a message from the Chair stating the board continues to review Chelation Therapy. • On Aug 22,2001 the board thanks Dr Michael A. Prytula for offering to teach parenteral therapies (his Emergency Procedures Course) and requests more information. • THE SAME DAY, AUG 22,2001 the BDDTN makes a formal complaint to the College of Nurses in regards to nurses taking orders from a Naturopathic Doctor.

  7. BDDTN vs Dr Michael A. Prytula ND Chronology of Events: • Sept 4,2001: Letter from Michael A. Prytula ND to BDDTN explaining his Emergency Procedures Course and seeking acceptance of the course by educated NDs for the protection of the Ontario Public. • Sept 26,2001: Letter from BDDTN to Michael A. Prytula ND stating: The Board will be considering your request at our next Board meeting which is scheduled for October 19,2001……Mary O’Reilly Chair.

  8. BDDTN vs Dr Michael A. Prytula ND Chronology of Events: • Nov 25,2002: Michael A. Prytula ND to BDDTN requesting approval of Emergency Procedures Course.  • Dec 11,2002: BDDTN denies request of Michael A. Prytula ND, for Board approval of the course related to Emergency Procedures for IV therapies.

  9. BDDTN vs Dr Michael A. Prytula NDChronology of Events: • On Nov 2,2001 the BDDTN dropped charges against Michael A. Prytula. • Aug 22, 2001, the BDDTN request the College of Nurses of Ontario to investigate the supervision of registered nurses by a Naturopathic Doctor. • The BDDTN followed this up with a letter on Jan 7, 2002 to the College of Nurses stressing them to take action.

  10. BDDTN vs Dr Michael A. Prytula NDChronology of Events: • The following was written in 2002 by Ms Jennifer F. Mossop MPP: A petition of 2000 signatures to Dalton McGuinty, Premier of Ontario. “We the undersigned, are eager to see our health care system strengthened and the health care of choice made available to all who live in Ontario.” “We implore the Legislative Assembly for the province of Ontario, its ministers and its members, to use their offices to immediately amend the Regulated Health Professions Act in order to permit registered nurses to take orders from naturopathic doctors in order to act effectively as a medical team and provide the care and treatments these health professionals and their patients feel appropriate and necessary.”

  11. BDDTN vs Dr Michael A. Prytula NDChronology of Events: • At the time of the request to the College of Nurses in 2001, the BDDTN’s own policy on colonics stated: you can order a nurse to perform colonics (a controlled act). • Michael A. Prytula’s one nurse graduated from Centennial College’s Naturopathic Nursing Program (endorsed by CCNM with some courses taught by Paul Saunders ND). • CCNM stated: RNs were not instructed to take orders from ND’s in spite of the advertising insinuated for this course and claims from Michael A. Prytula’s former nurse.

  12. BDDTN vs Dr Michael A. Prytula NDChronology of Events: • College of Nurses proceeding start in Sept 2003. • Sept 18, 2003: Paul Saunders subpoenaed, his lawyer Carol Ann Mathews corresponds with Michael A. Prytula’s lawyer. • Sept 24,2003: Mr. Greg Ujyie, the manager of Pharmacy Practice Programs and the jurisprudence instructor at the Ontario College of Pharmacy, testified at the College of Nurses of Ontario’s DisciplineCommittee against Michael A. Prytula’s former nurses.

  13. BDDTN vs Dr Michael A. Prytula NDChronology of Events: • Greg Ujyie: "EDTA at this point is a substance or a chemical. It is not classified as a drug. It is investigated by Health Canada, but at this point, it is not recognized as a drug." "It (Ozone) is not classified as a drug.“

  14. BDDTN vs Dr Michael A. Prytula NDChronology of Events: • Mr. Ujyie’s testimony was witnessed by the BDDTN's lawyer and also BDDTN's office manager Bridie O'Connell. • An Ontario compounding pharmacy consults with the former registrar of the Ontario College of Pharmacy on these matters and he has stated that EDTA, Ozone, DMSA are not drugs.

  15. BDDTN vs Dr Michael A. Prytula NDChronology of Events: • Unfortunately, one of nurses folded during the hearing and requested that her case be split from Michael A. Prytula’s other nurse in exchange for her testimony against the other nurse. • In the middle of this event, the BDDTN on Jan 21,2004 reinstated charges against Michael A. Prytula for chelation, ozone, etc.

  16. BDDTN vs Dr Michael A. Prytula NDChronology of Events: • Michael A. Prytula’s nurses lost this court case brought on against them by the BDDTN. • As a consequence you cannot give orders to nurses to do restricted acts in Ontario (including colonics). • Unfortunately, this precedent has spread across Canada and the United States.

  17. BDDTN vs Dr Michael A. Prytula ND Chronology of Events: • Paul Saunders ND “introduced parenteral therapy into CCNM’s curriculum in 1991-2” CAND Vital Link Autumn 2005. • Why is Paul Saunders ND exempt from BDDTN laws from 1991-2001? The BDDTN allowed some IV therapeutics starting in 2002. • CCNM’s Parenteral Therapy Course Outline Spring Semester 2001. Instructor: Paul Saunders page 3: Colchicine Therapy Demonstration, HCL Demonstration, Chelation Therapy Demonstration.

  18. BDDTN vs Dr Michael A. Prytula ND Chronology of Events: • Paul Saunders ND address is: “211 King St W Dundas, Ontario” • Jim Spring DC ND former chairman of the BDDTN address is: “211 King St W Dundas, Ontario”

  19. BDDTN vs Dr Michael A. Prytula ND Chronology of Events: • Paul Saunders ND’s lawyer is Carol Ann Mathews. • The prosecutor for the BDDTN against Michael A. Prytula ND is Carol Ann Mathews. • Paul Saunders ND is the BDDTN’s expert witness against Michael A. Prytula ND.

  20. BDDTN vs Dr Michael A. Prytula NDChronology of Events: • June 20,2002: an Ontario ND signs an agreement with the BDDTN to never perform chelation again. • Dec 13,2004: the BDDTN receives a letter of complaint against the same ND for possible fraud and doing chelation. • Jan 18,2005: the BDDTN receives a fax in regards to legal action against the same ND for doing EDTA chelation and causing harm with this therapy.

  21. BDDTN vs Dr Michael A. Prytula NDChronology of Events: • On Dec 6,2005 the BDDTN responds to the complaint dated Dec 13,2004 against the same ND for possible fraud, doing chelation, and not providing a file. • “The complaint alleges that, on October 5,2004 the registrant collected payment from the complainant of $823.90 for seven chelation treatments, one of which was provided on that day, with the remaining six to be scheduled for future visits.”

  22. BDDTN vs Dr Michael A. Prytula NDChronology of Events: • “The complainant claims that she did not receive any of the six treatments (chelation) for which she had prepaid, due to the registrant’s sudden termination of her (the ND) practice at the clinic at the end of the business day on October 5,2004.” • “The complainant also expresses concerns over the failure of the registrant to locate and return her patient file.”

  23. BDDTN vs Dr Michael A. Prytula NDChronology of Events: • “The board determined that the registrant’s conduct was reasonable under the circumstances and that the registrant’s conduct did not warrant suspension or removal of her registration to practice.” • “It is unfortunate that the complainant’s patient file from the clinic has not been located to date. The Board, however does not consider the registrant’s inability to locate and return the complainant’s patient file to constitute professional misconduct.”

  24. BDDTN vs Dr Michael A. Prytula NDChronology of Events: • There are three signatures on the BDDTN complaints committees last correspondence (Angela Moore ND and Robert Dronyk ND are two of them). • By having three signatures this could be theorized as a way to make certain these charges cannot be followed up as the BDDTN cannot reach quorum now.

  25. BDDTN vs Dr Michael A. Prytula NDChronology of Events: • Feb 2006: Coalition for Naturopathic Medicine (composed of CCNM, OAND, BDDTN and the CAND) conducted a survey of the Ontario Naturopathic Profession. Question: To what degree do you currently see the following tests, procedures and treatments within the scope of a Naturopathic Doctor? • IV Ozone: 34% very much within the scope, 28% somewhat within the scope. • IV Chelation: 48% very much within the scope, 31% somewhat within the scope.

  26. BDDTN vs Dr Michael A. Prytula NDChronology of Events: • 2006: former BDDTN Board member confides with colleague that they perform chelation. • Scott Clack ND and Pat Rennie ND both BDDTN board members are listed with the DAN network as performing heavy metal detox (chelation). • October 11-14,2006: Paul Saunders ND presenter at the Restorative Medicine Conference “Dr Saunders will discuss oncology from a naturopathic perspective and lead a practicum covering chelation, botanical and nutritional IV therapies.” • Dec 2006: CAND lists chelation as a service offered by CAND members.

  27. BDDTN vs Dr Michael A. Prytula NDChronology of Events: • On the International College of Integrative Medicine Directory, Doctor of the Month: Paul Saunders. • “He teaches chelation therapy as well, though naturopaths are prohibited from offering chelation in Ontario.” • In 2003-4 Dr Saunders administers chelating agents IV to students and bills them accordingly.

  28. BDDTN vs Dr Michael A. Prytula NDChronology of Events: • Oct 22,2007: BDDTN emails profession about approved courses for CE and PT credits. On this list is Neural Therapy and Biopuncture Jan 19,2008 APPROVED FOR 3.5Hrs of PT credits. • Yet the BDDTN Parenteral Therapy Policy specifically states you cannot perform Neural Therapy.

  29. BDDTN vs Dr Michael A. Prytula ND Chronology of Events: • On May 11,2006 the BDDTN approves for CE credits, an Introductory Course taught by Michael A. Prytula for the OAND. • On June 17,2006 Michael A. Prytula ND teaches the course.

  30. BDDTN vs Dr Michael A. Prytula ND Chronology of Events: • On June 19,2006 BDDTN to the profession • “Courses that are submitted for Continuing Education credit are subject to an approval process based on published criteria that have been in place since August 2004 and have not previously been challenged by the OAND... Approval involves the granting of a privilege and withholding approval is not punitive, nor does it affect anyone’s legal rights. ,,,,In considering these matters it is important to keep in mind that the BDDTN’s mandate is to protect the public with respect to the practice of naturopathic doctors while the role of the professional association is to represent the interests of the profession.” Angela Moore ND

  31. BDDTN vs Dr Michael A. Prytula ND Chronology of Events: • June 13,2006 OAND Member update: Decision to withdraw from the Coalition for Naturopathic Medicine (BDDTN, CAND, CCNM and OAND): • A non-communicated change in the BDDTN position on the Dr title issue which was then used to take action against a member: and • A punitive action against a member prior to a finding in a disciplinary hearing.

  32. BDDTN vs Dr Michael A. Prytula ND Chronology of Events: • April 2008, the BDDTN dropped charges for the third time against Michael A. Prytula ND for administering ozone. • May 14, 2008: Michael A. Prytula ND signs agreement with BDDTN to not administer EDTA by means of injection.

  33. BDDTN vs Dr Michael A. Prytula ND Chronology of Events: • Agreement with BDDTN signed within days of deadline for Transition Council application. • June 24, 2008: BDDTN withdraws all charges against Michael A. Prytula ND. • Michael A. Prytula ND now sits on the Transition Council with the members of the BDDTN.

  34. BDDTN vs Dr Michael A. Prytula NDChronology of Events: • My fight for fairness in Ontario goes on as does my legal battle. • Ten years and counting!

  35. Ontario’s Political Climate • It appears that if you are a friend of the BDDTN you can do whatever you want and the BDDTN will cover it up for you. • Persecute successful ND’s. • The fallout of the BDDTNs actions are just starting to happen. • So I stress urgency for all jurisdictions to claim Ozone, chelation and delegation authority to give orders to nurses ASAP.

  36. BDDTN vs Dr Michael A. Prytula NDChronology of Events: • None of the BDDTN board members are certified for parenteral therapies and as such are unqualified in passing judgment against any ND in Ontario in regards to any IV therapy.

  37. Dr Michael A Prytula ND’s personal cost incured to date: • Financially >$200,000 direct earnings. • Far more lost in indirect earnings (time and energy diverted from my practice, learning, teaching courses and political efforts such as CAW). • Blocked expansion of my practice (seven plus years) • Emotional duress on me, my wife and my children. • Lost time spent with my family and what time I did spend was often preoccupied with this battle.

  38. Dr Michael A Prytula ND’s personal cost incured to date: • Courses endorsed by only a few jurisdictions: • Alberta: IV Basic, IV Emergency Procedures, IV Chelation, IV Ozone • BC: IV Ozone, IV Chelation, IV Basic • Manitoba: IV Basic, IV Emergency Procedures, IV Chelation, IV Ozone • Ontario: Applied three times, zero results, (yet Paul Saunders courses are approved!) • Other jurisdictions hindered by Ontario’s actions.

  39. Dr Michael A Prytula ND’s personal cost incured to date: • Professionally: Unable to capitalize on CAW victory (which took me eight years) to lobby other companies for insurance coverage for ND services. • Brought CAW victory, the biggest private union in Canada, to the attention of CCNM, CAND, OAND and BDDTN. Not acknowledged by any group due to the continuing legal actions of the BDDTN.

  40. Dr Michael A Prytula ND’s personal cost incured to date: • Only recently able to grow professionally as an ND due to time and money spent on ongoing legal efforts taking me away from personal research to improve my Naturopathic Services. • Only recently able to recontinue financial support of CCNM (prior to continued ongoing legal action against me, I was the largest financial contributor to CCNM from the Naturopathic Community) I do continue to support four bursaries at CCNM. I also sponsor four bursaries and a room at BINM.

  41. Dr Michael A Prytula ND’s personal cost incured to date: • Has hindered me from furthering the profession by teaching and participating in previously MD only societies. Such as: The Aesculapian Society and The Common Cause Foundation.

  42. Others who should be acknowledged for their legal stand for our scope of practice in Ontario • Dr Allan Price ND • Dr Steve Jones ND • Dr Mike Um ND

  43. Conclusion: • Albert Einstein says: • “Indomitable spirits have always encountered violent opposition from mediocre minds.”

  44. Indomitable Spirits gain interesting benefits! • May 2010, Michael A Prytula ND joins Pure North S’energy in Calgary, Alberta • Pure North S’energy provides the largest wellness program in the world 3-4,000 participants and counting • Michael A Prytula ND was hired as a consultant due to his chelation, legal and clinical expertise!

  45. Indomitable Spirits gain interesting benefits! • Flying high! 41,000 ft in the company Lear jet are Calgary Naturopathic Doctors: Bruce Lofting ND, Eric Errata ND, Jason Ahlan ND, Rhiannon Owens ND, Seattle‘s Joe Pizzorno ND and Ontario’s Michael A Prytula ND • Persistence pays off, by getting acknowledgement of ones expertise and doing the right things for the right reasons!

  46. How you can help …

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