The College of Occupational Therapists of Ontario |
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Newsletter | October 2021 |
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In this issue…
- Occupational Therapy Month
- Quality Assurance Requirements
- COVID-19 Updates: Mandatory Vaccinations for LTC Staff
- Call for Subcommittee Members
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Case of the Month: Checklist for Starting a Private Practice
- Practice Q&A: Co-signing Provisional OTs' Documentation
- Upcoming College Board Meeting: October 28, 2021
- Reminder: Update Your Insurance
- October Poll: Combining the SA and PD Plan
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Occupational Therapy Month |
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October is Occupational Therapy Month, which provides us with an opportunity to recognize the tremendous work of registrants who deliver safe, effective care to clients and patients every day.
As we continue to work together through this pandemic, there can be no doubt about the important role of occupational therapists. The diversity of occupational therapy practice benefits so many people in different settings in different ways.
We thank you for all you have done and continue to do.
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QA Requirements
Additional information about due dates
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While we have heard that registrants appreciate the value the Quality Assurance program brings to their practice, we also recognize many registrants continue to work in pandemic situations that are physically and emotionally challenging.
We know that prioritizing the completion of QA requirements by October 31 may be difficult for some. For more information about what happens after the October 31 due date, please visit the College website.
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Thank you to the occupational therapists who have already completed the 2021 Prescribed Regulatory Education Program (PREP) on Ethics and Professionalism.
Please log in to MyQA to mark your PREP and your Self-Assessment (if yours is due this year) as “complete” by October 31.
While in MyQA, you can also update any progress towards your 2021 Professional Development Plan.
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COVID-19 Updates
Mandatory COVID-19 vaccinations for long-term care staff
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In case you missed it, the Government of Ontario will be making COVID-19 vaccinations mandatory for all long-term care home staff.
All staff, support workers, students, and volunteers will have until November 15, 2021 to show proof that they have received all required doses of a COVID-19 vaccine, or to show proof of a valid medical exemption.
If an occupational therapist is providing services to long-term care homes or retirement homes, the occupational therapist should check with the home or homes they work for to determine vaccination requirements.
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For up-to-date information about vaccinations and clinics in your region, visit the “Vaccine Information” section of our COVID-19 page to find your Public Health Unit. |
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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 the page.
Please continue to check the College and government websites for the latest updates. You can also follow us on Twitter, Facebook and LinkedIn.
Avoid missing important updates from the College by logging in to your member profile to update your contact information.
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Call for Subcommittee Members
The QA and Practice Subcommittees are looking for new members
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The College is seeking two occupational therapists to join one of the Quality Assurance (QA) Subcommittee or the Practice Subcommittee.
Quality Assurance Subcommittee:
- Currently seeking an occupational therapist who has worked in one of the following settings for the last 5 years: Mental health, long-term care, or a family health team.
Practice Subcommittee:
- Currently seeking an occupational therapist who has worked in one of the following settings for the last 5 years: Community practice / direct service to clients in the areas of mental health, addictions, or psychotherapy.
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Case of the Month
Checklist for starting a private practice
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Devon is interested in starting a private occupational therapy practice to work with people experiencing concussion and other acquired brain injuries.
They have many questions about what is involved in setting up the practice. They have found information on how to start a business in Ontario and want to find out more about setting up the services from a regulatory perspective.
Devon calls the Practice Resource at the College to find out if there are any College guidance documents outlining expectations for occupational therapists starting a private practice.
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Practice Q&A
Co-signing provisional occupational therapists' documentation
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Question: Do provisional occupational therapists need their notes co-signed?
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College Board Meeting
Upcoming Board meeting on October 28, 2021
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Our next College Board meeting will be held online on Thursday, October 28, 2021 from 9:00 a.m.–3:00 p.m.
Board meetings are open to the public. To reserve a virtual spot, please contact, Andjelina Stanier, Executive Assistant at 1.800.890.6570/416.214.1177 ext. 232 or email astanier@coto.org.
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Reminder: Insurance
Update your professional liability insurance information
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Having professional liability insurance is a requirement of registration.
Reminder: If you do not update your insurance policy information online within 30 days of its expiry date you may be subject to an administration fee.
Log in to the College website and update your insurance information.
You are not required to send us a copy of your insurance certificate unless we contact you directly to request documentation.
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Poll: Combining the SA & PD Plan
October Question and September poll results
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The College is considering combining the Self-Assessment and Professional Development Plan into one tool that is completed annually by registrants. |
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Do you feel this would be a positive change for you in your practice?
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Last month we asked you: How do you receive updates on COVID-19 guidance?
Your top answer was: "I read the College email updates." (48.3% -131 respondents) Followed by "All of the above." (19.9% - 54 respondents) which includes the College's COVID-19 webpage, email updates, information from your employer, and government and public health resources.
Thank you for participating.
We appreciate your feedback and welcome comments at any time.
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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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