The College of Occupational Therapists of Ontario
Newsletter | July 2024
In this issue…

  • Ontario Health atHome
  • Opportunity: Sinai Health Research Study
  • Reminder: Quality Assurance Requirements
  • ODSP Virtual Guide
  • Insights from Investigations: Data from December 2023-May 2024
  • Recent Trends in Investigations: Record Keeping Issues
  • June Poll and May Results
Important News
Information and Updates
Ontario Health atHome
Amalgamation of Home and Community Care Support Services
The Ontario government has amalgamated the 14 Home and Community Care Support Services organizations to form a single new service called Ontario Health atHome.

Ontario Health atHome will continue supporting the coordination of home care services across the province. Plans are in place to ensure patients and caregivers can continue accessing the same providers through this transition.
Opportunity: Research Study
Participate in study on collaborative practice, burnout and patient safety 
Sinai Health is leading a research study on: Interprofessional collaborative practice and its relationship with burnout and resilience in health professionals and patient safety.

If you are a health care professional working with clients in an Ontario hospital, your participation and insights are wanted.
Mark Your Calendar
Reminders and Dates to Remember
Reminder: QA Requirements
Annual Learning Plan and Annual eLearning Module due October 31
Reminder: 2024 Quality Assurance activities are available in the COTO Portal. 


  • Select the Quality Assurance button to go to the MyQA section of the Portal.

  • Select the Annual eLearning Module and Annual Learning Plan buttons to access your Quality Assurance activities.

eLearning Module Note: The module may take about two hours to complete. You can save your progress and return to it later when you use the same device and browser.

Annual Learning Plan Note: After completing your self-assessment and setting your goals, you should be working towards them. Remember to return to your plan to report the impact before the due date.

Complete both the Annual Learning Plan and the Annual eLearning Module by October 31, 2024.

Need help? Contact us at qaprogram@coto.org.
You and Your Practice
Information and Resources
ODSP Virtual Guide
Ontario Disability Support Program Health Care Professionals’ Guide
The Ministry of Health has redesigned the Ontario Disability Support Program virtual guide for health care professionals to better support clinicians in completing the application on behalf of their patients.

The Ontario Disability Support Program (ODSP) is a provincial social assistance program that provides income and employment supports to eligible Ontario residents who have disabilities. As licensed health care providers, you may be asked to provide medical information about patients and clients who are applying.
Insights from Investigations
Data on concerns and outcomes (December 2023-May 2024)
Investigations data and trending information helps inform the development of College resources to support the delivery of safe, ethical services.


Every investigation will identify one or more concerns and the Investigations, Resolutions and Complaints Committee makes a decision on each one. These concerns are connected to occupational therapy competencies.
Record Keeping
Insights from Investigations: Recent Trends
Keeping accurate and timely records is an essential step in ensuring safe and effective client care. Record keeping is an accountability for both occupational therapist and employers.

The College has seen an increase in concerns about record keeping and compiled the latest data and risk factors to highlight this issue.

Employers care about record keeping and often conduct random audits to ensure policies and standards are being met. Some employers may decide to terminate employees who are unable to keep up with their record keeping responsibilities.

OTs are encouraged to review the recent trends and refer to College record keeping resources.

College Record Keeping Resources
Looking for the Standards of Practice and other resources?

Resources are available here: Standards and Practice Resources

Tip: 📑 Bookmark the page for future reference!
Connect with Us
Take the latest poll
July Poll & June Results
If you are an employer, would you like to receive information about:
Hiring new grads
Hiring individuals re-entering occupational therapy practice
Using College Standards to support practice
All of the above
We want to find new ways to engage with employers of occupational therapists.
If you employ occupational therapists, remember these:
In June we asked you: As a new registrant, how did you learn about professional obligations and College programs?

We received 54 votes and here's how you voted:

  • 29.6% said "COTO website" (16 votes)
  • 18.5% said "COTO presentations" (10 votes)
  • 16.7% said "COTO newsletters" (9)
  • 16.7% said "Welcome Guide" (9)
  • 18.5% said "Not sure" (10 votes)
Thank you for participating in our poll!

We want to connect with new registrants and help provide them with the information and resources they need as they begin their career as a regulated health professional. Contact us if you are interested in getting involved with the College.
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.
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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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