Q: What is the difference between an occupational therapy regulatory body and an association?

A professional association acts in the interest of its members, who are usually also members of a professional College. Associations represent member interests and Colleges represent public interests. Most associations advocate on behalf of the profession they represent. Associations develop and provide professional development opportunities through the coordination of conferences, webinars, and workshops.  Additionally, associations focus on professional activities and promotion of the profession through advocacy.  

Professional Development at CAOT is focused on providing webinars, workshops, and conference services. The professional practice team is focused on addressing day-to-day practice questions that impact occupational therapy practice, providing OTs with clinical and non-clinical resources, and connecting OTs with networks, other practicing OTs, and volunteer opportunities.  

https://caot.in1touch.org/uploaded/web/Accreditation/OTAProfile_Update2018.pdf 

The Profile of Occupational Therapy Assistants (OTA) provides the overview of the role of an OTA and frameworks/competencies used to guide their work. CAOT is working towards promoting how OTAs are involved in different areas of practice. Our OTA/PTA network has a specific focus on educating OTs about OTAs, and promoting OTA awareness across the country.   

Chapters at CAOT (British Columbia, Quebec, and Northern territories) represent occupational therapists at the provincial/territorial level through local lobbying efforts and government relations. Additional Chapter activities include representation on relevant provincial committees, interacting with local occupational therapy organizations, and working with OT funders. Chapters differ from provincial associations as they represent the strategic priorities of the national association. When appropriate, resources are shared across chapters and networks. Some provincial associations also act as regulatory bodies. CAOT’s chapters have a mandate to advance excellence in occupational therapy practice for their region. This involves engaging in active leadership that promotes the value of the profession in their province/territory.   

In Quebec and the Northern Territories, Regional Directors communicate to membership via Facebook. In British Columbia, Monthly OTalk updates are sent to each CAOT-BC member. To stay current in between monthly newsletters, we encourage you to read and subscribe to the CAOT-BC Blog. 

  • Chapter advisory committee representation 
  • Practice network involvement 
  • Advocacy  

As a CAOT member, OTs can connect with the following research journals: 

  • CJOT and OTNow
  • Online journals including the American (AJOT), Australian (AOTJ), British (BJOT), Hong Kong (HKJOT), New Zealand Journal of Occupational Therapy (NZJOT), South African (SAJOT) (limited access), and WFOT Bulletin  
  • The Open Journal of Occupational Therapy: a peer-reviewed, open-access journal with a mission to publish high quality articles that focus on applied research, practice, and education in the occupational therapy profession.  

CAOT does not recommend an average fee for occupational therapy services; the rate would depend on numerous factors such as the location of the occupational therapy practice, competition for services, type of practice, method of service provision, overhead costs and legislation. You may want to consult with the provincial occupational therapy association for information on fees e.g. CAOT-BC fee survey

It is important to be aware of your occupational therapy provincial regulatory association’s requirements with regards to fees and billing practices. CAOT also recommends that an occupational therapist consult with professional advisors such as a lawyer, accountant, bookkeeper and bank manager when starting and managing a small business.

The Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) recognizes occupational therapists as qualified to authorize claims for the disability tax credit. The disability tax credit provides tax assistance for individuals with a severe and prolonged mental or physical impairment by reducing their income tax payable. Form T2201E must be completed by the occupational therapist and the client.