The Alliance of Occupational Therapy Professional Associations (ACOTPA), representing provincial associations and CAOT Chapters, has developed a National Fee Schedule following a survey of occupational therapists (OTs) in private practice across Canada. There were 732 respondents representing solo to large firms and the OTs that work for them. This resource can be use to inform interested parties and better support advocacy efforts by provincial associations.
Often times, OTs reach out to an association about matters that are regulatory (and vice versa). The following charts aim to clarify the roles of practice support within CAOT and a provincial regulatory organization to help guide inquiries to the right organization.
| Associations | Regulators | |
| Represents | An association acts in the interest of its members and advocates on behalf of the profession they represent. | A regulatory organization represents the interests of and protects the public by ensuring occupational therapy services meet standards of practice. |
| Name | Some associations are referred to as a “ Society”; however, they provide ongoing support for the advancement of the professions they represent. | Although some regulators may be referred to as a “ Board” or “ College" depending on the province, they all act to regulate OT profession. This differs from the institutions that educate students to enter the profession. |
| Nationally | The Canadian Association of Occupational Therapists (CAOT) is a national association that represents Canadian OTs and OTAs nationally. The provincial professional associations along with CAOT make up the Alliance of Canadian Occupational Therapy Professional Associations – ACOTPA. |
Association of Canadian Occupational Therapy Regulatory Organizations (ACOTRO) is made up of provincial regulatory organizations which promote consistency and excellence in regulating occupational therapy across Canada. All specific practice-related questions can be directed to your respective provincial regulator. Please see the table at the bottom of the page for a directory of Canadian regulators. |
| Provincially | Canadian OTs are represented by CAOT and/or by a provincial association. Please see the table at the bottom of the page for a directory of Canadian regulators. |
Occupational therapy practice in Canada is provincially regulated. To practice OT in Canada, it is mandatory to be registered with a provincial regulatory organization. Please see the table at the bottom of the page for a directory of Canadian regulators. |
| Practice Support | The Professional Practice team at CAOT actively maintains and continues to improve the quality and accessibility of OT services. This is done by facilitating networking opportunities, increasing accessibility of resources for OT practice, and advocating for the profession. | Practice support at provincial regulatory organizations handle inquiries from OT registrants, the public, and all other stakeholders regarding OT practice. The focus is to explain and uphold expectations of the delivery of safe, ethical, and effective services. |
| CAOT | Regulators | |
| Addresses complaints from the public, employers, or others about OT services |  |
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| Addresses purchase and renewals of CAOT memberships | |
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| Assists OTs in purchasing professional liability insurance | |
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| Connects clients with suitable OTs using Find-An-OT search engine | |
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| Establishes scope of OT practice respective of each provincial healthcare system | |
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| Facilitates mentorship program for practicing OTs and student OTs | |
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| Facilitates networking opportunities via conferences, Practice Networks, corporate associates, advertising, and volunteering | |
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| Handles all licensing and registration inquiries (i.e: entry-to-practice requirements, renewal of license, international applications (SEAS), checks for valid professional liability insurance, etc.) | |
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| Implements mandated quality assurance programs to promote effective and safe practice, as per provincial legislation (i.e: annual education requirements, practice audits, etc.) | |
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| Maintains public register to check if an OT is in good standing | |
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| Provides clinical and non-clinical resources (ex: Practice Resource Hub) | |
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| Provides support for OTs and public by interpreting relevant legislation, Standards of Practice, Codes of Ethics, and some resources | |
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OTs can choose a provincial regulator to register with from the above list; however, there are limitations. For more information, please visit CAOT-North.
Note: You have the option of joining either CAOT and/or your provincial association. Please review the following table.
Province/Territory |
Association |
Regulatory Organization |
|
National |
  |
 |
|
Alberta |
 |
 |
|
British Columbia |
 |
 |
|
Manitoba |
 |
 |
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New Brunswick |
 |
|
|
Newfoundland and Labrador |
 |
 |
|
Nova Scotia |
 |
 |
|
Ontario |
 |
 |
|
Prince Edward Island |
 |
 |
|
Québec |
 |
 |
|
Saskatchewan |
 |
 |
|
Yukon/Northwest Territories/Nunavut |
 |
OTs can choose a provincial regulator to register with from the above list; however, there are limitations. For more information, please visit CAOT-North. |