This is a reminder that your registration renewal and payment is due August 31, 2020. If you have any concerns, please contact our Manager of Registration, Clara Lau at clau@coto.org.

Fees – Information about the registration fees and how these are used by the College is now available online. The annual fees for 2020-2021 remain unchanged.

Currency – The College understands some occupational therapy practices have been impacted by COVID-19 restrictions and, as a result, there are questions and concerns about maintaining practice hours. Please note, the requirement to have 600 hours of practice within the scope of occupational therapy within the preceding three years has been extended until May 31, 2021.

If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact us by emailing registration@coto.org.

The College is holding a special election this summer to fill vacancies in Districts 1 and 2. Nominations close August 27, 2020. Online voting begins Tuesday, September 15, 2020.

Watch the webinar on our YouTube Channel and read the Q&As from the webinar on our website to learn more about running for Council or review information about College elections on our website.

If you have questions, please contact us the College at elections@coto.org.

Reminder: the 2020 Quality Assurance (QA) requirements are available in MyQA . The due date for both the 2020 Prescribed Regulatory Education Program (PREP): Managing Risks in Occupational Therapy Practice and the 2020 Self-Assessment (SA) has been extended to December 31, 2020.

If you are concerned about completing your 2020 PREP and 2020 Self-Assessment by the due date, please contact Seema Sindwani, Manager of the Quality Assurance Program, at ssindwani@coto.org.

The College is developing an evidence-informed process and tools to assess the continuing competence of occupational therapists as part of the Quality Assurance (QA) program. A pilot of the risk-based selection process will launch during the 2021-2022 registration year. Visit our new web page to review the background and learn more.

All occupational therapists, regardless of area of practice or practice status, must have professional liability insurance (PLI) that meets the College's requirements. 

Many policies expire on October 1st. Please ensure you renew your insurance with your provider prior to the policy expiration date. Once you've renewed your policy, you must update your insurance policy information with the College within 30 days. Policy information can updated through the member login.

For additional feedback options, please contact the Practice Resource Service 416.214.1177 ext. 240 or 1.800.890.6570 ext. 240 or practice@coto.org.

Personal Health Information and Protection Act changes affecting OTs

Earlier this year, the Personal Health Information and Protection Act, 2004 (PHIPA) was amended.

The key changes impacting occupational therapy practice, particularly those who are Health Information Custodians (HICs), include: new enforcement tools, fine increases, the right to access personal health information in an electronic format, and more. You can view all the PHIPA changes on our website.

Learn more about PHIPA and your obligations under it on our website. Please contact Practice with any questions at 416.214.1177/1.800.890.6570 x240 or practice@coto.org. 

Emily is practising in the community and has received a referral for falls prevention with an older adult. She learns the client, Hilda, has recently been diagnosed with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, arthritis, and lives alone in an apartment.

Due to concerns about COVID-19, Emily is considering her options about the best way to deliver her services to Hilda. What should she do?

The College is seeking 2 occupational therapists (OTs) to serve as non-Council Committee members for the Inquiries, Complaints and Reports Committee (ICRC).

If you are interested in being considered, please email your resumé to Adrita Shah Noor, Case Manager, Investigations & Resolutions, at ashahnoor@coto.org by 

The College recently released new COVID-19 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) for the public. Occupational therapists may find these questions and answers helpful to share with their patients and clients. Check under the "For the Public" section of our dedicated COVID-19 page.

In June, we asked you to help evaluate the College's early COVID-19 pandemic response. Thank you to the 502 registrants who completed the survey and provided their thoughtful comments. We are reviewing feedback and look forward to sharing information in the near future. Please send any additional feedback to communications@coto.org.