Newsletter | October 2025

Important News

Information and Updates

Occupational Therapy Month

Happy Occupational Therapy Month!

I want to take this time to recognize the important role occupational therapists play across Ontario’s health care system. In a time of ongoing change and pressure within our country and the health system, your dedication to providing safe, ethical, and quality care continues to make a difference.

Occupational therapy is a profession rooted in compassion, creativity, and problem-solving. Whether supporting recovery and mental health, promoting independence, or enhancing quality of life, occupational therapists empower individuals to live fully and meaningfully—a contribution that is vital to the health and resilience of our communities.

This month is a meaningful time to learn from one another, share experiences, and reflect on the impact and evolution of the profession—together.

Thank you for everything that you do to support our communities and uphold the standards of the profession.

Gillian Slaughter

Registrar & CEO

QA Requirements Due October 31

Complete your Annual Learning Plan and eLearning Module

Your Quality Assurance requirements are due October 31st. 

The annual requirements include both the Annual Learning Plan (all sections) and the Annual eLearning Module. Complete and submit your requirements before the deadline.

Webinar: Let's Talk Practice

November 19 webinar for new and returning occupational therapists

Are you a new occupational therapist? Or recently returned to practice? Our Practice Team will be hosting a live webinar on November 19 from 12:00 to 1:00 PM to support new occupational therapists and those returning to the profession.

You can submit your questions when you register, or send us your questions in advance by emailing practice@coto.org. The webinar will also have a live Q&A for any questions you have during the session.

Can't attend? A recording will be uploaded on the College's YouTube channel. Subscribe to our channel to get notified as soon as it's available.

Spotlight on Practice
Types of consent

Occupational therapists are required to obtain two types of consent for occupational therapy services (including assessment, treatment, and consultation): knowledgeable consent and informed consent.

Our new Spotlight on Practice resource offers a quick review of both, helping you understand when and how to obtain consent.

Am I a Health Information Custodian or Agent?

New decision tree resource

Are you unsure whether you’re a Health Information Custodian (HIC) or acting as an agent under Ontario’s Personal Health Information Protection Act (PHIPA)?

Our new decision tree resource helps clarify your role and responsibilities when handling personal health information.

Use this tool to ensure you're meeting your legal obligations and protecting patient privacy effectively.

Insights from Investigations

Pause before you post client photos

Occupational therapists in private practice have the added responsibility of managing their business practice. When promoting their practice, occupational therapists should be mindful about how and what they advertise and be aware of how certain marketing strategies may be viewed by the public. 

Advertising by occupational therapists has always been subject to rules. While some occupational therapists may think posting client photos is acceptable, this practice can be of particular concern.

Connecting with the College:
Employer Edition

See our latest employer newsletter

Do you employ occupational therapists or know someone who might be interested? Sign up and receive our employer newsletter straight to your inbox.

In case you missed it, the second issue of COTO's employer newsletter is now available in our employer newsletter archive.

Looking for the Standards of Practice and other resources?



Resources are available here: Practice Standards and Guidance

Tip: 📑 Bookmark the page for future reference!

October Board Meeting

Our next Board of Directors meeting is October 30, 2025

Want to learn more about decisions that affect the profession and the public we serve? The next College Board meeting will be held on Thursday, October 30th, 2025.

Meetings are open to the public. Meeting dates and materials are posted online.

Do you know someone who would like to be added to our mailing list?

They can sign up here. Have additional comments or suggestions for the College email news? Send your thoughts to communications@coto.org.

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.

View past issues of the College's enewsletter in our archive

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