Newsletter | October 2024

Occupational Therapy Month

October is Occupational Therapy Month in Canada

Reminder: QA Requirements

Annual Learning Plan and eLearning Module are due October 31

Reminder: Your Quality Assurance requirements are due October 31st. The annual requirements include both the Annual eLearning Module and Annual Learning Plan (all sections).

Do I have to complete the annual requirements?

General registration

Yes – Complete the annual requirements (if you registered before July 31, 2024).

Provisional and Temporary registration

No – Do not complete the annual requirements.

Leave of Absence or extenuating circumstances

Yes – Complete the annual requirements or submit the request form for an exemption.

Log in to the COTO Portal to access your QA requirements.

Need help? 

Contact qaprogram@coto.org or 416-214-1177 ext. 239.

There may be a high volume of inquiries.

Reminder: Liability Insurance

Check your professional liability insurance policy dates

OTs, remember to check your professional liability insurance policy for the expiration date. You may need to update your insurance information with the College. Updates are required within 30 days of a change, including a change to expiry date.

Carrying professional liability insurance is a requirement of registration. Log in to the COTO Portal to access your profile and update your information with the College at anytime.

Note: You are not required to send us a copy of your insurance certificate unless the College contacts you directly to request documentation.

Questions? Contact registration@coto.org.

Demographic Data Collection

Understanding the profession

At its October 24 meeting, the Board approved the College’s plan to introduce the collection of additional demographic data for registrants of the College. Providing this extra information will be optional.

The goal of collecting this data is to help assess whether Ontario’s diversity is reflected in the profession and to better understand the demographics of Ontario occupational therapists. 

In addition, the data will be used to identify, monitor and inform actions by the College to address issues facing equity-deserving groups. Ensuring a racially diverse and representative health workforce can help address inequities in the health system that affect both patients and providers.

The College plans to use the data set established by the Canadian Institute for Health Information (CIHI). Including additional self-identification data will be voluntary for registrants. Details of the plan, the CIHI data set, and the proposed questions are available on pages 210-249 of the October 2024 Board package.

We understand you may have questions and will be providing additional information in the coming months. Please direct any inquiries to info@coto.org or kwoodland@coto.org.

Practice Q&A

Client is driving with a suspended license

You asked us: My client, whose driver’s license was medically suspended, revealed that he has been driving.

Do I need to report this to the Ministry of Transportation (MTO)?

Practice Q&A

What should OTs consider if using artificial intelligence (AI) in practice?

Our Practice team has developed a resource on AI: What Should Occupational Therapists Consider if Using Artificial Intelligence (AI) in Practice?

The resource explores essential considerations for integrating artificial intelligence into practice, covering ethical obligations, privacy and informed consent.

It highlights key rules and strategies to ensure responsible and effective AI use while prioritizing client safety and confidentiality.

Developed for practitioners by the Practice Subcommittee, this resource provides clear insights into how AI can be used while adhering to professional standards. 

Surveillance and Third-Party Payers

Revised resources for occupational therapists

Do you work with third party payers, such as insurers, lawyers, or employers of clients? Are you asked to review surveillance material as part of your occupational therapy assessment?

• You can find more information in the College’s guidance document on Working with Third Party Payers. It has been updated to align with the new Competencies, Standards of Practice, and reflect current practice.

• For questions about surveillance, check the updated Q&A: Surveillance and Occupational Therapy Practice.

Response to Coroner's Report

Death from Transfer Pole

A transfer pole is a device that occupational therapists may recommend when promoting safety with transfers. This resource is intended to alert occupational therapists about the dangers associated with this device.

The Office of the Chief Coroner of Ontario requested COTO alert occupational therapists about the death of a LTC resident with cognitive and mobility impairments who became entrapped between a transfer pole and a bed. 

Therapists should use a risk-based approach and consider client factors and the environment when assessing clients' need for or use of this device. The goal is to help occupational therapists mitigate risks and prevent similar deaths from the use of transfer poles.

October Board Meeting Highlights

The College Board held a meeting on October 24, 2024.

View the key decisions in the highlights from the meeting.

Connect with Us

October Poll

Additional demographic data collection

*Quality Assurance and the Inquiries, Complaints and Reports Committee

Thank you for participating in our poll!

In September we shared a survey on how we can improve the user experience of our website. Thank you to everyone who completed it and shared their feedback.

In case you missed it, our survey is still open: surveymonkey.com/r/96ZTQ33