Editing Universal Medicine (section)

== Regulatory and other issues ==
{{Quote box
 |quote  = The Australian Health Minister, [[Greg Hunt]], wrote to AHPRA's CEO, Martin Fletcher, regarding "concerns for public safety in relation to the provision of certain services being provided by organisations allegedly with links to cults".
 |source = Northern Star, August 8, 2019<ref name=":a1"/><ref name=":a0"/>
 |width  = 25%
 |align  = right
}}

Accusations of misconduct against Universal Medicine have drawn attention from the regulatory bodies; the [[Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency]] (AHPRA) and the [[Therapeutic Goods Administration]] (TGA).<ref name="AusDoctor">{{cite news |url=http://www.australiandoctor.com.au/news/latest-news/cult-health-group-faces-ahpra-inquiry |title='Cult' health group faces AHPRA inquiry |last=Newton |first=Kate |date=20 September 2012 |work=Australian Doctor |location=Sydney |url-access=registration}}</ref><ref name="MOAHPRA"/><ref name="ABC"/><ref name="AusDoctorTGA">{{cite news |url=http://www.australiandoctor.com.au/news/latest-news/herbal-products-sold-by-cult-investigated |title=Herbal products sold by 'cult' investigated |last=Newton |first=Kate |date=24 July 2012 |work=Australian Doctor |location=Sydney |url-access=registration}}</ref> The [[NSW Office of Liquor, Gaming and Racing]] investigated claims of breach of Australian charitable fundraising laws by the charity the "College of Universal Medicine" and referred these to the police.<ref name="TelegraphGrooming">{{cite news |last=Hansen |first=Jane |url=http://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/news/nsw/newage-esoteric-breast-and-ovary-massage-healer-under-investigation-over-alleged-charity-law-violations/story-fni0cx12-1226962513015?nk=6bd8683a5a2d7a396c4e41fbf8603e7b |title=New-age esoteric breast and ovary massage healer under investigation over alleged charity law violations |work=The Daily Telegraph |date=22 June 2014 |location=Sydney}}</ref><ref name="ABCWilson">{{cite news |date=27 June 2014 |title=Director from College of Universal Medicine defends charity status |url=http://www.abc.net.au/news/2014-06-27/universal-meedicine-charity/5555876 |work=ABC News Online |location=Australia}}</ref> A 2018 complaint by the [[Friends of Science in Medicine]] sparked a [[Health Care Complaints Commission]] (HCCC) investigation into UM and associated non-registered practitioners.<ref name=":a1">{{Cite news |url=https://www.northernstar.com.au/news/blogger-calls-for-immediate-action-on-harmful-cult/3800039/ |title=Blogger calls for 'immediate' action on 'harmful cult' |last=Turner |first=Liana |date=8 August 2019 |work=Northern Star |url-access=subscription}}</ref><ref name=":a0">{{Cite news |url=https://www.northernstar.com.au/news/medical-group-urges-hccc-to-an-ums-healing/3596210/ |title=Doctors call for ban on cult's false 'healing' |last=Turner |first=Liana |date=8 December 2018 |work=Northern Star |location=NSW |url-access=subscription}}</ref>

Prior to the TGA investigation and their withdrawal from sale UM's herbal remedies were erroneously said to "promote fire in the lungs and therefore help to dispel any dampness in the lungs" and were "good for dealing with hardening of the connective tissue especially around the chest and arms and also hardening of the vascular system".<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.medicalobserver.com.au/news/tgas-urgent-universal-inquiry |title=TGA's urgent Universal inquiry |date=23 July 2012 |website=Medical Observer |location=Australia |url-access=registration |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130801192612/http://www.medicalobserver.com.au/news/tgas-urgent-universal-inquiry |archive-date=1 August 2013 |url-status=dead}}</ref>

Benhayon's daughter Simone is one of the Trustees of The Sound Foundation in the UK, a second related charitable organisation that Universal Medicine called one of its "two main world headquarters".<ref name="Private Eye 1359"/> The Sound Foundation was the subject of a 2013 complaint to the [[Charity Commission for England and Wales|Charity Commission]] for England and Wales which found extensive irregularities and resulted in the charity being given a mandatory compliance plan.<ref name="CharityCommission">{{cite web |url=http://www.thirdsector.co.uk/charity-commission-hands-action-plan-health-charity/governance/article/1222011 |title=Charity Commission hands action plan to health charity |last=Stothart |first=Chloe |date=25 November 2013 |work=Third Sector |location=UK |url-access=registration |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304062918/https://www.thirdsector.co.uk/charity-commission-hands-action-plan-health-charity/governance/article/1222011/ |archive-date=4 March 2016 |url-status=dead}}</ref> It also attracted attention from a [[National Health Service]] Forum who distanced itself from the group.<ref name="Private Eye 1361">{{cite news |title=Good news corner |date=7 March 2014 |work=[[Private Eye]] |issue=1361 |location=UK |page=32}}
* {{cite web |author=Esther Rockett |date=March 9, 2014 |title=Private Eye follows up on Universal Medicine's links with the NHS |url=https://universalmedicineaccountability.wordpress.com/2014/03/09/private-eye-follows-up-on-universal-medicines-links-with-the-nhs/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.today/EgHFG/9048f56a6c8bf83690f6a3fbd40d70c9d197793d |archive-date=2018-02-19 |website=Universal Medicine Accountability (Wordpress)}}</ref>

Universal Medicine is reported to have received a portion of AUD$709,493 federal funds to provide six public lectures and "counselling services to parents" under a Commonwealth grant scheme applied for by the [[YWCA]]. [[The Australian]] Government refused to fully release documents explaining how the funds were used, saying "YWCA raised objections... including that the information does not accurately reflect YWCA's activities" and could "have an adverse effect on the YWCA by affecting its relationships with other entities and its reputation".<ref name="MOYWCA">{{cite news |url=http://www.medicalobserver.com.au/news/government-blocks-ywca-documents |title=Government blocks YWCA documents |last=Kaye |first=Byron |date=27 November 2012 |work=Medical Observer |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121210124129/https://www.medicalobserver.com.au/news/government-blocks-ywca-documents |archive-date=10 December 2012 |url-status=dead |location=Australia |url-access=registration}}</ref>

In 2016, 20 Universal Medicine adherents joined the Australian doctors' reform lobby group, the HPARA, en-masse causing turmoil and a split in the organisation. HPARA chair John Stokes said the UM adherents, who "initially ... all seemed quite impressive and normal," unexpectedly began turning up to meetings and attempted to take over the organisation's social media accounts and board of directors without declaring their UM connections. "Some of them behaved in ways that made me feel quite uncomfortable, where they would come into my personal space," he recalled. Stokes said there were concerns of reprisals and potential legal threats from the UM group, and that he and others expressed concern at HPARA being associated with the cult, but is now confident that no member with links to UM remains in the HPARA.<ref name="hpara">{{Cite web |url=https://www.australiandoctor.com.au/news/ahpra-lobby-group-distances-itself-universal-medicine |title=AHPRA lobby group distances itself from Universal Medicine |last1=O'Rourke |first1=Geir |last2=Smith |first2=Paul |date=24 October 2018 |website=Australian Doctor |location=Sydney NSW |url-access=registration |archive-url=https://archive.today/PkjJ5/0fca6dff50232264ece456df999f49fffdf295bb |archive-date=2018-12-24}}</ref>

An investigation by [[ABC News (Australia)|ABC News]] in April 2018 revealed that [[The University of Queensland]] was investigating conflicts of interest of three of its faculty who were "acolytes" advocating for Universal Medicine. Video allegedly shows four researchers, two of whom are doctors, publicly advocating UM practices. Two more of the nine are presenters for the College of Universal Medicine. John Dwyer stated that: "[They] have let the university down badly in their fervour for promoting the benefits of Universal Medicine's approach to treatments, which have no basis in science, couldn't possibly be effective, and really represent a pre-scientific approach to how the body works and interacts with God and the universe". After receiving a 12-page letter from a third-party whistleblower ''The [[Journal of Medical Internet Research]]'' (JMIR) raised "serious concerns" as to the conflict of interest of the authors of the UM related articles it published. The editorial director stated that: "the omission of this conflict of interest, which appears to be highly significant in this case, is a clear violation of our policies" and suggested both articles published in the JMIR should be retracted. JMIR was also "very concerned" when it was revealed that the "original results paper contained large statistical errors inflating the effect sizes" and concluded "the proposed and executed research does not provide any evidence that any Universal Medicine modalities are effective in making people healthier".<ref name=":4">{{cite news |url=http://www.abc.net.au/international/uq-researchers-accused-of-promoting-dangerous-cult/9663184 |title='Cult' Universal medicine practices promoted by researchers, UQ launches investigation |last=Robertson |first=Josh |date=16 April 2018 |work=ABC News |location=Australia}}
* {{cite AV media |title='Cult' Universal medicine practices promoted by researchers, UQ launches investigation |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SCgY9voDJqM |publisher=ABC News |location=Australia |via=YouTube}}</ref><ref name="bizarre">{{Cite web |url=https://www.doctorportal.com.au/mjainsight/2018/16/the-researchers-the-university-and-the-bizarre-medical-cult/ |title=The researchers, the university and the bizarre medical cult |last=Wilcken |first=Hugo |date=30 April 2018 |website=MJA InSight 16 |publisher=AMPCo (Australian Medical Association) |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180625213159/https://www.doctorportal.com.au/mjainsight/2018/16/the-researchers-the-university-and-the-bizarre-medical-cult/ |archive-date=25 June 2018 |url-status=dead}}</ref> When the original peer-reviewers of the papers were made aware of the extensive conflicts of interest, they stated they would not have accepted the manuscripts had they been aware of this fact upon submission.<ref name=":8">{{Cite journal |last=JMIR Editorial Office |date=11 May 2018 |title=Expression of Editorial Concern, Correction of Conflict of Interest and Affiliation, and Data Corrections |journal=JMIR Public Health and Surveillance |language=en |volume=4 |issue=2 |pages=e53 |doi=10.2196/publichealth.9932 |pmid=29757750 |issn=2369-2960 |pmc=6303671 |doi-access=free}}</ref>

In November 2018, Universal Medicine was compelled to cancel all their event and hire bookings with [[Ballina Shire Council]], including the Girl to Woman Festival, only days prior to the festival being debated in council chambers. UM took this action after 1,000 people had signed a petition to have the Girl to Woman event barred from [[Lennox Head]] Cultural Centre, and also to avoid becoming embroiled in a council policy motion that adopted child-protection measures for future events and hiring "where the Council believes that provision of the service would pose a potential for child abuse".<ref name=":24"/> Council's amended policies concerning hiring and the tightening of child-protection measures (not mentioning UM or the girl festival) were adopted, but not before UM had publicly criticised council's actions and long-term UM student and advocate Rebecca Asquith (Baldwin) appeared at the council meeting on behalf of the festival urging councillors to oppose the motion.<ref name=":26"/><ref name=":1"/><ref name=":29">{{Cite news |url=https://www.echo.net.au/2018/11/universal-medicine-cancels-event-bookings/ |title=Universal Medicine cancels all event bookings |last=Shand |first=Aslan |date=30 November 2018 |work=Echonetdaily |location=Byron Bay NSW}}</ref><ref name=":27"/><ref name="ballina">{{Cite web |url=https://www.ballina.nsw.gov.au/cp_themes/default/res.asp?id=13703 |title=Minutes of the Ordinary Meeting of Ballina Shire Council |date=22 November 2018 |website=ballina.nsw.gov.au |access-date=18 December 2018 |archive-date=19 December 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181219044156/https://www.ballina.nsw.gov.au/cp_themes/default/res.asp?id=13703 |url-status=dead }}</ref><ref name=":25">{{Cite news |url=https://www.northernstar.com.au/news/council-adopts-child-protection-measures-for-event/3582731/ |title=Council adopts child protection measures for events |last=Turner |first=Liana |date=22 November 2018 |work=Northern Star |location=NSW |url-access=subscription}}</ref> Council representatives said that UM education events were used as recruitment gateways, urged people to stay away from joining the group and said UM was not wanted in the area.<ref>{{Cite episode |title=Council bans cult |url=https://www.prime7.com.au/news/6620-council-bans-cult |series=North Coast News |first=Mitchell |last=Sariovski |network=PRIME7 TV Northern NSW |date=20 February 2019}}</ref>

Subsequent to this, NSW Minister for Health, [[Brad Hazzard]], issued a directive for NSW Health to halt all dealings with Universal Medicine after UM-linked individuals and businesses were found to be involved in the annual Positive Adolescent Sexual Health (PASH) conference. The youth health initiative is backed by the [[NSW Department of Health]] and aimed at teens aged 15 years and up. Northern NSW Local Health District chief executive Wayne Jones said that UM members would be removed from the project and NSW Health would: "immediately review engagement and risks of health service involvement with Universal Medicine and discontinue any further association".<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.northernstar.com.au/news/um-dealings-halted-by-ministers-directive/3588549/ |title=UM dealings halted by minister's directive |last1=Turner |first1=Liana |date=28 November 2018 |work=The Northern Star |location=NSW |url-access=subscription}}</ref><ref name=":28">{{Cite news |url=https://www.theaustralian.com.au/national-affairs/state-politics/cult-members-told-by-minister-to-leave-sexual-health-conference/news-story/1a9ae19e696254730e7b77efd4a52d31 |title='Cult' members told by minister to leave sexual health conference |last=Morton |first=Rick |date=28 November 2018 |work=The Australian |publisher=News Corp |url-access=subscription |archive-url=https://archive.today/20181128192400/https://www.theaustralian.com.au/national-affairs/state-politics/cult-members-told-by-minister-to-leave-sexual-health-conference/news-story/1a9ae19e696254730e7b77efd4a52d31 |archive-date=28 November 2018 |url-status=dead |access-date=28 November 2018}}</ref> [[Electoral district of Lismore|Lismore]] MP [[Thomas George (Australian politician)|Thomas George]] ([[National Party of Australia|Nationals]]) and [[Australian Labor Party|ALP]] candidates for Lismore and [[Electoral district of Ballina|Ballina]], [[Janelle Saffin]] and Asren Pugh, supported the directive by the Health Minister.<ref name=":07">{{Cite news |url=https://www.northernstar.com.au/news/um-affiliates-step-down-as-minister-calls-for-revi/3589564/ |title=UM affiliates step down as minister calls for review |last=Turner |first=Liana |date=29 November 2018 |work=Northern Star |location=NSW |url-access=subscription}}</ref> A few days earlier Ms Saffin and ALP candidate for [[Division of Page|Page]] Patrick Deegan had called for an inquiry into UM to ensure that no government resources go toward any organisation regarded as a 'cult', and that government departments and agencies do not endorse, encourage or support the involvement of children and young people in any such organisation. Ms Saffin said: "An inquiry [into UM] would be opportunity to clear the air and to restore faith in our local institutions". "It has taken the courage of whistle-blowers and the determination of journalists to expose the predatory practices of Universal Medicine".<ref>{{Cite news |url=https://www.northernstar.com.au/news/labor-candidates-back-call-for-universal-medicine-/3585362/ |title=Inquiry into Universal Medicine backed by Labor candidates |last=Burke |first=Jasmine |date=26 November 2018 |work=Northern Star |location=NSW |url-access=subscription}}</ref><ref name=":29"/>

Also in November 2018 the NSW child protection agency, [[Department of Family and Community Services (New South Wales)|Family and Community Services (FACS)]], issued a staff directive that "no child be referred to Universal Medicine" after at least one UM aligned child protection worker was found to be incorporating UM teachings and events in the care plans of two children overseen by the department. Documents released showed an acting manager and child protection case worker endorsed the girl's involvement with UM activities including the Girl to Woman Festival and Kids in Connection. Care plans instructed that the girl "needs to be supported to maintain her connection with the teachings of Universal Medicine" and that she have "internet access to access readings and meditations from the universal medicine website". After the rogue care plans became public FACS responded that they had "referred the matter to the Office of the Children's Guardian" and "the information in the (Benhayon v Rockett) Supreme Court judgment is known to FACS and staff are taking appropriate action to ensure it has no impact on children known to FACS". UM practitioners were also reported to have attended Lismore FACS staff meetings to conduct relaxation workshops.<ref name=":2"/><ref name=":23"/>

Since the Benhayon v Rockett court ruling in Australia, two [[Church of England]] schools have decided to stop using the swimming pool run by Benhayon's daughter Simone, which is located at UM's UK headquarters at 'The Lighthouse' in Somerset.<ref name=":40"/><ref name="May 2020"/>

In April 2019, The Lismore Chamber of Commerce in NSW stripped business awards previously awarded to Universal Medicine after a review instigated by the new board of directors. The awards removed after a unanimous decision were: 2014 People's Choice Award, 2015 People's Choice Award, 2017 People's Choice Award, 2017 Excellence in Health Services (Highly Commended), and the 2018 Hall of Fame People's Choice Award. The Chamber said that: "any business that has engaged in any unlawful, fraudulent, misleading, deceptive or other improper misconduct should be refused entry to the business awards."<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.northernstar.com.au/news/universal-medicine-stripped-of-business-awards/3706104 |title=Universal Medicine stripped of business awards |date=18 April 2019 |work=Northern Star |publisher=News Corp |location=NSW |url-access=subscription}}</ref> Benhayon claims that Universal Medicine is not liked in the NSW Northern Rivers community because, as he says: "we have standards they cannot meet".<ref name=":37"/> UM has been accused of a "them and us" mentality that creates community divisions.<ref name="AWW"/> Senior UM members and Benhayon family members were once active on the board's of Lismore, Byron Bay and Ballina Chambers of Commerce in NSW and resigned from the Lismore Chamber due to association with UM.<ref name="Echo Oct 2017">{{cite news |url=https://issuu.com/echopublications/docs/byronecho3319 |title=Universal Medicine leader loses defamation case |date=2017-10-17 |work=Byron Shire Echo (print edition) |issue=33 #19 |location=Byron Bay NSW |page=3}}</ref><ref name=":26">{{cite news |url=https://issuu.com/echopublications/docs/byronecho3112 |title=Council candidates support website attacking 'cyber bully' |last=Lovejoy |first=Hans |date=2016-08-31 |newspaper=[[Byron Shire Echo]] |edition=print |volume=31 |issue=12 |location=Byron Bay NSW |page=6 |via=Issuu}}
* {{cite news |last=Lovejoy |first=Hans |date=2021-05-16 |title=Council candidates support website attacking 'cyber bully' |newspaper=Byron Shire Echo |url=https://www.echo.net.au/2016/08/council-candidates-support-website-attacking-cyber-bully/}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.northernstar.com.au/news/2018-our-biggest-stories/3612169/ |title=The stories that made news in 2018 |last=Munro |first=Jacqueline |date=1 January 2019 |website=Northern Star |location=NSW |url-access=subscription}}</ref> Senior UM members have also unsuccessfully run for [[Liberal Party of Australia|Liberal]] and [[National Party of Australia|National]] Party preselection in NSW.<ref name=":30">{{Cite web |url=https://www.theaustralian.com.au/national-affairs/wouldbe-mp-doctor-maxine-szramka-linked-to-cult-leader/news-story/156f477a5bc992f85c5d9ae5abad0d55 |title=Would-be MP doctor Maxine Szramka linked to cult leader |last=Morton |first=Rick |date=8 November 2018 |website=The Australian |url-access=subscription |archive-url=https://archive.today/20181108173642/https://www.theaustralian.com.au/national-affairs/wouldbe-mp-doctor-maxine-szramka-linked-to-cult-leader/news-story/156f477a5bc992f85c5d9ae5abad0d55 |archive-date=8 November 2018 |url-status=dead |access-date=4 December 2018}}</ref><ref name=":03">{{cite news |url=https://issuu.com/echopublications/docs/byronecho3347 |title=Federal candidates throw themselves at the electorate - Ray Karam Independent |date=2019-05-01 |work=Byron Shire Echo (print edition) |issue=33 #47 |location=Byron Bay NSW |pages=8–9}}</ref> In the UK Senior UM members resigned from the board of Frome Chamber of Commerce after their association with UM was reported by the BBC.<ref>{{Cite news |url=https://www.somersetlive.co.uk/news/somerset-news/owner-hotel-linked-cult-resigns-2641066 |title=Hotel owner resigns from chamber after TV show unearths 'cult' links |last=Britten |first=Elise |date=13 March 2019 |website=SomersetLive News |publisher=Reach PLC |location=England}}</ref><ref name="signs">{{Cite web |url=https://www.somersetlive.co.uk/news/somerset-news/cult-bb-signs-appear-around-2637318 |title='Cult B+B' signs appear around Frome |last=Britten |first=Elise |date=12 March 2019 |website=SomersetLive News |publisher=Reach PLC |location=England}}</ref>

=== Australian medical authorities and Samuel Kim ===

Following an investigation by the NSW Medical Council in 2017 a Universal Medicine advocate and affiliated doctor, Samuel Tae-Kyu Kim, was reprimanded for referring a patient for esoteric lung massage and chakra puncture: "knowing there was insufficient evidence for their efficacy as treatments for Patient A's lung condition".<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.northernstar.com.au/news/doctor-found-guilty-over-referrals/3184226/ |title=Doctor found guilty over referrals |last=Adams |first=Cathy |date=31 May 2017 |work=Northern Star |publisher=News Corp |location=NSW}}</ref> The physician, whose clinic is located in the Universal Medicine Clinic in Goonellabah, claimed chakra puncture is an "internationally recognised therapy", however only practised by Universal Medicine. The Council heard evidence from a Senior Specialist and thoracic physician, who stated:

:Universal Medicine "affects an attitude which conventional medicine abandoned in the 19th century and this heightens the need to clearly distinguish for patients the difference between conventional medicine and Universal Medicine. Particularly as it is unclear, given it is a relatively new organisation, how Universal Medicine's training programs are accredited".<ref name=":3">{{cite news |url=https://www.echo.net.au/2017/05/universal-medicine-affiliated-doctor-reprimanded/ |title=Universal Medicine affiliated doctor reprimanded |last1=Dobney |first1=Chris |date=30 May 2017 |work=Echonetdaily |location=Byron Bay NSW}}</ref>

The HCCC alleged Samuel Kim had withheld conventional therapy and the investigation focused on his referrals to his now wife Jasna Jugovic (esoteric lung massage) and three "Universal Medicine practitioners" Neil Ringe (chakra puncture), Serge Benhayon (spiritual healing) and Michael Serafin (non-medically trained pharmacist).<ref name=":7">{{Cite web |url=http://www.hccc.nsw.gov.au/Publications/Media-releases/2017/Dr-Samuel-Tae-Kyu-Kim---Unsatisfactory-professional-conduct |title=Dr Samuel Tae-Kyu Kim – Unsatisfactory professional conduct |last=HCCC |date=9 May 2017 |website=HCCC |archive-date=28 July 2017 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170728035528/http://www.hccc.nsw.gov.au/Publications/Media-releases/2017/Dr-Samuel-Tae-Kyu-Kim---Unsatisfactory-professional-conduct}}</ref><ref name=":31">{{cite news |url=https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2017/may/31/doctor-rebuked-over-spiritual-healing-group-touting-esoteric-breast-massage |title=Doctor rebuked over 'spiritual healing' group touting 'esoteric breast massage' |last=Robertson |first=Joshua |date=31 May 2017 |work=The Guardian}}</ref> The investigating committee found Kim to lack contrition, and at times to be an unreliable witness and his evidence to be contradictory.<ref name=":0"/> Following the enquiry, the [[Health Care Complaints Commission|HCCC]] found 5 out of 6 allegations against Kim proven, him "guilty of unsatisfactory professional conduct" (which he admits to), and concluded by placing permanent restrictions upon his practice.<ref name=":0">{{Cite web |url=http://www.hccc.nsw.gov.au/ArticleDocuments/250/Decision%20-%20KIM%20Samuel%20Tae-Kyu%20-%20PSC%20-%208%20May%202017.pdf.aspx |title=PROFESSIONAL STANDARDS COMMITTEE INQUIRY. Samuel Tae-Kyu Kim |last=NSW Medical Council |date=20 March 2017 |website=HCCC |archive-date=23 June 2017 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170623151222/https://www.hccc.nsw.gov.au/ArticleDocuments/250/Decision%20-%20KIM%20Samuel%20Tae-Kyu%20-%20PSC%20-%208%20May%202017.pdf.aspx}}</ref>

Kim stood down from the [[Australian Medical Association]] Queensland council in May 2018 after ABC News investigated a second case of professional misconduct where he had shared the entire medical and medication records of a patient with Serge Benhayon without the patient's knowledge. The patient had criticised Universal Medicine in the media and Kim claims he obtained the patient's verbal consent. The NSW Privacy Commissioner disagreed and found Kim had breached Health Privacy Principles, violated the patients privacy and its report said it was "unclear ... why it was necessary for Kim to provide such a summary of what appears to be Mr Martin's entire medical history to Mr Benhayon". Shaun Rudd, the AMA Queensland chairman, said the council had "a robust conflict of interest policy and AMA Queensland has full confidence in Kim's ability to serve as a councillor".<ref name=":6">{{Cite news |url=https://thelimbic.com/respiratory/thoracic-physician-stands-down-in-dispute-over-links-to-esoteric-group/ |title=Thoracic physician stands down in dispute over 'esoteric' group |last=Hoffman |first=Tessa |date=3 May 2018 |work=The Limbic |publisher=thelimbic.com |url-access=registration}}</ref><ref name=":5">{{Cite news |url=http://www.abc.net.au/news/2018-05-02/doctor-gave-patient-medical-history-to-universal-medicine/9710412 |title='Doctor who gave patient medical history to Universal Medicine 'cult' stands down from AMA |last=Robertson |first=Josh |date=2 May 2018 |work=ABC News |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180503210212/http://www.abc.net.au/news/2018-05-02/doctor-gave-patient-medical-history-to-universal-medicine/9710412 |archive-date=3 May 2018 |url-status=live |location=Australia}}
* {{cite AV media |title='Cult' leader given patient's entire medical history by doctor |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zFLVBX4TSz4 |publisher=ABC News |location=Australia |via=YouTube}}</ref> Kim stated that he was a 'student' of Universal Medicine and an honorary advisor at Benhayon's College of Universal Medicine, but had no financial interests in the organisation.<ref name=":6"/>

=== Call for Parliamentary Judicial Inquiry ===
In [[NSW Parliament]] in August 2019, Lismore MP [[Janelle Saffin]] called for a judicial inquiry into UM stating: "I call for an inquiry not because it is a cult, but because it has infiltrated my community, some government departments, agencies and related programs, and non-government organisations, some educational institutions, some media outlets and some business organisations." Among other things she stated that: "It is a cult that has caused the separation of families, is a wealthy commercial enterprise that has a range of subsidiary and related companies operating from Lismore and beyond, and has targeted those who speak out and bullies them in a range of ways, including directly on the streets in my hometown of Lismore and with defamation threats." She concluded by saying: "Professionals who are Universal Medicine socially harmful cult promoters in the workplace are not fit and proper professionals to be in charge of children, the sick, students and the vulnerable."<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://api.parliament.nsw.gov.au/api/hansard/search/daily/pdf/HANSARD-1323879322-107025 |title=Legislative Assembly Hansard |last=Saffin |first=Janelle |date=21 August 2019 |website=Parliament of NSW |pages=77–78 |format=PDF}}</ref>

=== The Taxation Office and the College of UM ===
The [[Australian Taxation Office]] (ATO) investigated and took action against the College of Universal Medicine, after almost $600,000 in charitable donations had been collected for its "school building fund" between 2011 and 2015.<ref name=":47"/> College director Charles Wilson had initially rejected any suggestion of impropriety.<ref name="ABCWilson"/> The ATO found the "not for profit" college located in NSW was "not operating a school" because its courses did not qualify as "knowledge-based teaching" for tax purposes.<ref name=":47">{{Cite news |url=https://www.abc.net.au/news/2019-09-14/universal-medicine-cult-received-donations/11482874 |title=Prominent donors gave hundreds of thousands of dollars to 'exploitative cult' |last=Robertson |first=Josh |date=14 September 2019 |work=ABC News |publisher=abc.net.au}}</ref><ref name="coum_board">{{Cite web |url=https://www.acnc.gov.au/charity/6ce43807ef50e5e341436ef78f5aa9ff#people |title=College Of Universal Medicine |last=Australian Charities and Not-for-profits Commission |date=2 January 2019}}</ref> The College was retrospectively stripped of its deductible gift recipient (DGR) status and returned $563,282 back to donors in October 2015.

In reaching its decision the ATO also noted conflicts of interest where the College's fundraising to renovate the building, owned by Serge Benhayon, was a "potential capital benefit" to the owner in earning $80,000 a year in rent from it. It also found most donations to the building fund were not maintained separately to the College's other moneys, meaning "the safeguard of public money is threatened" and the cash could be potentially used "for other purposes".<ref name=":47" />