The College of Occupational Therapists of Ontario |
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In this issue…
- COVID-19 Updates
- Use of Social Media Resource
- Case of the Month: Social Media
- QA: PREP information and PD Plan Exemption
- Renewal Closing Reminder
- Practice Q&A: Renamed Practice Documents
- Practice Q&A: Documentation Obligations for Deceased Clients
- Privacy Webinar with Regulated Health Colleges
- Poll: Communication Frequency
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COVID-19 Updates
Roadmap to Reopen, Directive 2 Revoked, Updated Guidance
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Note, the two emergency orders listed below are still in effect. These orders authorize:
- regulated health professionals to provide patient care services outside their regular scope of practice and enables hospitals to employ, contract, appoint or otherwise engage regulated health professionals from out-of-province (O. Reg. 305/21, approved and ordered April 21, 2021), and
- Independent Health Facilities (IHFs) to redeploy staff to hospitals on a voluntary basis to help with capacity needs relative to the third wave of COVID-19 (O. Reg. 304/21, approved and ordered April 21, 2021).
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The COVID-19 Guidance: Home and Community Care Providers has been updated. Occupational therapists working in this sector will want to review this document in its entirely as there have been numerous changes including a new section about Client & Household Member Education.
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We encourage registrants to check the College and government websites for updates. You can also follow us on Twitter, Facebook and LinkedIn.
Links to COVID-19 information and resources are in the College's dedicated COVID-19 section of the website. The latest updates are noted at the top of page.
Changing your email? Avoid missing important updates from the College by logging in to your member profile to update your information.
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Use of Social Media
Updated and renamed document
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We've updated the College's Use of Social Media document. Occupational therapists using social media in their practice will find that the revised Use of Social Media document promotes professionalism, privacy, confidentiality, and professional boundaries.
If you have any questions about this document, contact the Practice Resource Service at practice@coto.org.
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Did you know? In March, the College's Board of Directors approved a new way of naming all practice documents that are not Standards. Specifically, these will no longer be categorized by “Guides” and “Guidelines” and instead will just be titled by topic. For example, the Guide to Discontinuing Services is now called Discontinuing Services.
This change was made based on the confusion the public and registrants had over why one was a “Guide” or “Guideline,” and to improve ease of use. As other practice documents are revised and updated, they will be renamed according to their content.
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Case of the Month
Professional Boundaries and Social Media
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Blair is an occupational therapist who owns a private practice. He has a large Instagram following on a professional account that he uses to advocate and educate.
Blair meets a new client, who heard about his practice through social media. After the appointment, Blair notices a private message from this client and a request to follow his personal Instagram account.
Blair has concerns about the potential impact his social media presence may have on this therapeutic relationship. What should he do?
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Quality Assurance
PREP information and PD Plan exemption
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Coming soon: the 2021 Prescribed Regulatory Education Program (PREP). Stay tuned for launch next month!
In the interim, here are a few facts about the PREP:
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Reminder: The College has made the decision to exempt the formal requirement to complete the PD Plan for 2020-2021. Read more about the decision.
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Reminder: Renewal Closing
Renew or resign online before May 31, 2021
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All occupational therapists are required to renew or resign online on or before May 31, 2021. Log in to renew now.
Taking a Leave or Resigning
If you will not be working or using the title occupational therapist/OT in Ontario after May 31, 2021, you can renew or resign.
To learn more about these two options, including the considerations for each, please review the Taking a Leave or Resigning section of our website
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Practice Q&A
Documentation of Deceased Clients
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Question: I have been notified that my client has passed away. What are my documentation obligations?
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Webinar: All Things Privacy
Information for Health Professionals and Employers
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The Colleges of Physiotherapists, Kinesiologists, Registered Massage Therapists, Occupational Therapists, and Dietitians are pleased to welcome health lawyer and health privacy expert Kate Dewhirst for a webinar on Thursday, June 24, 2021 to explore Ontario’s health privacy laws and the responsibilities of regulated health professionals.
In this webinar, Kate will discuss upcoming changes to the Personal Health Information Protection Act (PHIPA), how to prevent and address privacy breaches, the responsibilities of the Health Information Custodian, and answer top privacy questions.
Date: Thursday, June 24, 2021 @ 12:00-1:00 pm.
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We want to continue to improve our delivery of College information and resources. Help us improve by letting us know how often you would prefer to receive College communications like this newsletter. |
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What would be the ideal frequency for receiving College emails like this one?
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Current schedule works for me (monthly)
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Only when there is important information to share
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Do you know someone who would like to be added to our mailing list?
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Any changes to your profile information in the last 30 days? Make sure you update your profile. |
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DO NOT UNSUBSCRIBE IF YOU ARE A REGISTRANT OF THE COLLEGE.
If registrants unsubscribe, they will be contacted to re-subscribe. The College communicates to occupational therapists by email regarding changes to standards, mandatory registration requirements, public consultations and more. We strive to keep communication relevant and to a minimum.
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