The College of Occupational Therapists of Ontario
Newsletter | March 2023
In this issue…
  • Preview the Standards of Practice and sign up for the May webinar
  • Quality Assurance thank you and updates
  • COVID-19 Update: Adjusting measures in long-term care homes
  • Reminders: Renewal opens March 31 and tax receipts
  • Consultation: Emergency Class of Registration and FAQ
  • Practice Q&As: Questions about billing for services
  • March Board Meeting Notice
  • Board of Directors Elections Update
  • March Poll and February Results
Important News
Information and Updates
Preview the Standards of Practice
Read the new Standards before they come into effect June 1, 2023
On June 1st, 2023, the revised Standards of Practice will come into effect for occupational therapists in Ontario.

You can get ready and preview the updated Standards, now available on our website in English and French.

The Standards of Practice have been modernized into one document and:

  • clarify practice expectations
  • use plain language
  • include practice competencies

We thank everyone involved in this significant project!

If you have any questions, contact our Practice Resource Service at 1-800-890-6570 ext. 240 or practice@coto.org.
Standards of Practice Webinar
Save the date and register for the May 2, 2023 webinar
Join our Practice Team on Tuesday, May 2, 2023 from 12-1pm for a webinar to learn more about the updated Standards of Practice.

We invite you to submit your questions in advance when you sign-up for the webinar.

If you are unable to attend, a recording of the webinar will be posted to our website and on the College's YouTube channel at a later date.
Quality Assurance Update
QA Survey, Annual Learning Plan, and Annual eLearning Module
Survey: Thank you for helping to shape the College's QA Program
More than 250 registrants took the time to share their knowledge and opinions! A summary of the results will be shared in an upcoming newsletter and posted on the College website.
Coming Soon:
Annual Learning Plan
Wondering about your Self Assessment and Professional Development Plan? It is now called the Annual Learning Plan (ALP) and conveniently combines both elements in one activity.
  • One activity, one deadline. Due October 31st, 2023.
  • Anticipated launch: Late spring 2023

Annual eLearning Module
  • The Annual eLearning Module (previously called the PREP) will be released in June.
  • Due October 31st, 2023. Watch your inbox for updates about the release!
Need to get in touch with the QA team? We’re all ears. Feel free to email us at qaprogram@coto.org or consult the College directory and contact us directly by phone or email!
COVID-19 Update
Ontario government adjusting measures in long-term care homes
Working with the Office of the Chief Medical Officer of Health, Ontario is updating its COVID-19 measures for people living in, working in or visiting long-term care homes.

Please continue to check government websites for the latest updates.
Mark Your Calendar
Upcoming Events and Dates to Remember
Reminders
Renewal notices by email

Annual renewal opens Friday, March 31, 2023.

Make sure your email is current and check your inbox for your renewal notice.
Tax receipts available online

Tax receipts are available for download through the registrant login on the College website.

Access your tax receipts by logging in and selecting Print Receipt.
Consultation: Emergency Class
Complete the survey by April 14, 2023
There's still time to provide feedback on our consultation on the proposed Emergency Class of registration. To learn more about the Emergency Class of registration and our proposed amendments to the General Regulation, view our FAQs.

The consultation closes at midnight on Friday, April 14, 2023.
You and Your Practice
Information, Cases and Resources
Q&As: Billing Practices
Billing clients for occupational therapy services
This month we are answering your questions about occupational therapy billing practices:

When issuing an invoice for occupational therapy service, can I put another service provider’s name on the invoice?

Can I put a parent or caregiver name on the invoice even though a child or family member was the individual who was receiving occupational therapy service?

How much detail about the occupational therapy service do I need to include on the invoice?

If I am registered as both an occupational therapist and as another regulated profession, do I need to indicate both titles/designations on the invoice?
College Governance
Decisions, Directions, and Outcomes
Election Results
Districts 2 and 4 Updates
College Board elections for District 4 (Ottawa, Kingston and surrounding areas) have now concluded.

Christine Funk was elected with 63% of the vote. Christine along with Stacey Anderson from District 2 (Hamilton, Niagara, and surrounding areas) will begin their three-year terms on the Board in March 2023. Stacey was acclaimed to the College Board of Directors in February.
 
We will be saying a fond farewell to Carol Mieras, who made tremendous contributions to our public protection mandate during her term.

Thank you to everyone who participated.
March Board Meeting Notice

The College Board is holding an in-person meeting on March 30, 2023. All meetings are open to the public. Meeting dates and materials are posted online.

To register to attend, contact astanier@coto.org.
Have Your Say
Share Your Feedback and Get Involved
March Poll & February Results
This winter the most common question we received from the public was about:
How to file a complaint
How to find information about an OT
What OTs do
All this information can be found on our website.

A common question we receive is about finding information about an occupational therapist. The public can access information about all occupational therapists in Ontario on the public register. It's important your information is always up-to-date. Learn more.
In February we asked you: Do you participate in College consultations?

We received 111 responses! Here's how you voted:

30.6% said "Yes, it is important for me to share my views." (34)

50.5% said "Sometimes, if it is of particular interest." (56)

18.9% said "No, not at this time." (21)
Thank you for sharing your thoughts.
The College carefully considers all consultation feedback. Your input helps us understand the effectiveness and impact of proposed changes, and helps ensure decisions are being made in the public interest.
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.
Any changes to your profile information in the last 30 days? Make sure you update your profile.
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.

20 Bay Street, Suite 900, Toronto, ON · 416.214.1177 1.800.890.6570 · www.coto.org · info@coto.org