Guiding your occupational therapy journey

As the regulator of occupational therapists (OT) in Ontario, we are here to make sure you receive safe, competent, ethical care from occupational therapists.

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An occupational therapists speaking with a patient and smiling
A young woman in a wheelchair sits at a computer and smiles at the camera
Collage of occupational therapists and patients together.

Dedicated to your safety

COTO protects the public by ensuring occupational therapists are qualified and practice ethically. So you can have peace of mind when it comes to your health.

1

What exactly do occupational therapists (OTs) do?

Discover what an occupational therapist can do for you or your loved ones.

What OTs Do
2

Check the Register of Occupational Therapists

On the Register, you can: 

  • Review any disciplinary actions
  • Verify Registration
  • View registration history
Search for an OT

Our latest updates

13 December 2024

Insights from Investigations: Data from June 2024-November 2024

From June 1 to November 30, 2024, the Inquiries, Complaints and Reports Committee (ICRC) made…
13 December 2024

What’s New in 2025? Annual Renewal

When registrants renew their registration for 2025-2026, they may notice we are collecting new data…
12 December 2024

2025 COTO Board Elections: Nominations are now open

Nominations for the upcoming 2025 Board of Directors elections are now open!  The elections will take…
11 December 2024

Reminder: Update Your Registrant Information

Has your registrant profile information changed? In the event of a change, registrants have a responsibility…
29 November 2024

Important Courtesy Notice from COTO – December Office Closure

The College office will be closed from the afternoon of December 24, 2024 to January…
19 November 2024

2025 COTO Board Elections: Nominations open December 11, 2024

The elections will take place in District 1 (Central): Toronto and Peel. There are two positions…
18 November 2024

Now Available: 2024 Annual Report

The College of Occupational Therapists of Ontario has released its 2024 Annual Report. Our report details accomplishments…
15 November 2024

Notice: Postal Service Disruption

COTO continues to monitor the current service disruption by Canada Post. During the postal strike, if…
7 November 2024

Ontario Increasing Financial and Community Supports for Veterans

The Ontario government is increasing the financial assistance available to veterans and their families through…
1 November 2024

Funding Opportunity: Ontario Autism Program Workforce Capacity Fund

Ontario’s Ministry of Children, Community and Social Services is offering a funding opportunity to build…
See More News
Videos IconVideos

What is the College, and what does it do?

The College of Occupational Therapists of Ontario is the regulator of occupational therapists in Ontario….
Videos IconVideos

How To Share a Concern or File a Complaint

Watch this video to learn how to share a concern or file a complaint with…
Videos IconVideos

Who do occupational therapists work with?

As licensed health professionals, occupational therapists work with people of all ages. They help people…
Videos IconVideos

How does the College protect the public?

Have you ever had questions about working with an occupational therapist? Do you wonder what…
Videos IconVideos

Looking for an occupational therapist in Ontario? Use our public register

Are you looking for an occupational therapist or working with one? Check the College of…
Videos IconVideos

What to expect from your occupational therapist

Watch and learn about what to expect when working with an occupational therapist (OT) who…
Standards IconStandards

Code of Ethics, 2020

This Code of Ethics provides registrants with information about the College of Occupational Therapists of…
Practice Guidance IconPractice Guidance

Remote (Virtual) Services, 2024

The use of technology to deliver healthcare services has become increasingly prevalent as an alternative…
Webinars & Podcasts IconWebinars & Podcasts

Working with the Board of Directors: Interview with Sarah Milton

Sarah Milton is an occupational therapist and professional Director on the Board at the College…
Resource IconResource

Complaints Process

Check the College’s Public Register for up-to-date information about occupational therapists. Read about our complaints process in…
Practice Guidance IconPractice Guidance

Determining Capacity Decision Tree

Use the Capacity Decision Tree to help determine who provides informed consent under the Health Care…
Practice Guidance IconPractice Guidance

Discontinuing Services

Occupational therapy services end for many reasons. Ideally, they end when the client and therapist…
Legislation & Bylaw IconLegislation & Bylaws
File

Bylaws
Legislation & Bylaw IconLegislation & Bylaws
External

Personal Health Information Protection Act, 2004
Q&As IconQ&As

Surveillance and Occupational Therapy Practice

Increasingly, third parties are asking occupational therapists to review surveillance material and render a professional…
Resource IconResource

5 ways to help seniors maintain their independence

Published April 2024 with NewsCanada Older adulthood can be one of the most fulfilling times…
Resource IconResource

How accessible is your home? 3 questions to ask

Published April 2024 with NewsCanada  Thinking about how your home would function for visitors with…
Resource IconResource

5 dealbreakers if you’re on the hunt for an accessible home

Published April 2024 with NewsCanada Buying a home is the biggest purchase most of us…
Resource IconResource

Top tips to make your home safer for all ages and abilities

Published April 2024 with NewsCanada  Buying a home is the biggest purchase most of us…
Q&As IconQ&As

Defining Psychotherapy in Occupational Therapy Practice

The College has received questions from occupational therapists about the Standard for Psychotherapy, 2023. This Psychotherapy…
Case Studies IconCase Studies

Can Two Occupational Therapists Provide Treatment to One Client at the Same Time?

Contact If you have any questions about this case, or have any ideas or requests…
Q&As IconQ&As

Consent for Occupational Therapy Service in Schools 

Occupational therapists working in schools may be delivering service under different models of care depending…
Resource IconResource

Is your home ready for you to age in place?

Published May 2023 with NewsCanada Canadians are increasingly hearing about a phrase that could shift…
Resource IconResource

3 ways to make your home more accessible for all

Published May 2023 with NewsCanada There’s a growing concept in the homebuilding world known as…
Explore All Resources
Policies IconPolicies
File

Confidentiality Policy
Policies IconPolicies
File

Conflict of Interest Policy
Policies IconPolicies
File

Code of Conduct
Policies IconPolicies
File

Quality Assurance Program Policy
Resource IconResource
File

Welcome Guide

A guide for new registrants with the College of Occupational Therapists of Ontario. This welcome…
Insights from investigations IconInsights from Investigations

Data from June 2024-November 2024

From June 1 to November 30, 2024, the Inquiries, Complaints and Reports Committee (ICRC) made…
Practice Guidance IconPractice Guidance

College Response to the Coroner’s Report: Death from Transfer Pole, 2024

At the request of the Office of the Chief Coroner of Ontario, the Geriatric and…
eLearning IconeLearning Modules

2024 Annual eLearning Module: Record Keeping – more than just a note

This module is developed by occupational therapists for occupational therapists. The module highlights key record…
Practice Tools IconPractice Tools

Professional Obligations

Occupational therapists are accountable to the people they care for and serve, their peers, other…
Practice Guidance IconPractice Guidance

Culture, Equity & Justice in Occupational Therapy Practice: Learning More – Additional Resources

This page contains a list of recommended resources to support occupational therapists as they continue…
Practice Guidance IconPractice Guidance

Culture, Equity & Justice in Occupational Therapy Practice: Applying Culture, Equity, and Justice in Practice

Culture, equity, and justice are represented in occupational therapy practice in ways that are complex…
Practice Guidance IconPractice Guidance

Culture, Equity & Justice in Occupational Therapy Practice: Understanding Patient and Client Expectations

The Competencies for Occupational Therapists in Canada (2021) includes a distinct section to address culture, equity, and…
Practice Guidance IconPractice Guidance

Culture, Equity & Justice in Occupational Therapy Practice: Building Knowledge – Definitions, Reflective Questions, & Practice Examples

This material is written to complement the Competencies for Occupational Therapists in Canada (2021), Domain C: Culture,…
Standards IconStandards

Standard Overview

The Standards of Practice establish the minimum expectations for all occupational therapists in Ontario. They…
Standards IconStandards

Glossary Overview

Co-create is to “create (something) by working with one or more others” (Merriam-Webster, n.d.). Context strongly…
Practice Guidance IconPractice Guidance

Child, Youth and Family Services Act, 2017 (CYFSA)

The Ontario Child, Youth and Family Services Act (CYFSA), 2017 came into effect on April 30, 2018;…
Practice Guidance IconPractice Guidance

Advisory Statement: The Occupational Therapist’s Role in Naloxone Administration, 2017

As health care professionals, occupational therapists (OTs) work in a wide range of practice settings…
Standards IconStandards

Code of Ethics, 2020

This Code of Ethics provides registrants with information about the College of Occupational Therapists of…
Practice Guidance IconPractice Guidance

Remote (Virtual) Services, 2024

The use of technology to deliver healthcare services has become increasingly prevalent as an alternative…
Legislation & Bylaw IconLegislation & Bylaws

Legislation & Bylaws

What are the roles and powers of the College of Occupational Therapists of Ontario? Every…
Webinars & Podcasts IconWebinars & Podcasts

Working with the Board of Directors: Interview with Sarah Milton

Sarah Milton is an occupational therapist and professional Director on the Board at the College…
Webinars & Podcasts IconWebinars & Podcasts

Getting involved with the College: Interview with Elinor Larney

Elinor Larney is the CEO and Registrar at the College of Occupational Therapists of Ontario….
Webinars & Podcasts IconWebinars & Podcasts

Serving on the College Board: Interview with Teri Shackleton

Teri Shackleton is the current Chair of the Board at the College. Listen to Teri…
Practice Guidance IconPractice Guidance

College Response to the Coroner’s Report: Deaths from Power Recliner Lift Chairs, 2022

The Office of the Chief Coroner of Ontario released a report from the Geriatric and…
Explore All Resources
Policies IconPolicies
File

Policy to Approve Agents of the College
Policies IconPolicies
File

Request for a Second Provisional Certificate of Registration (8-160)
Policies IconPolicies
File

Practising Without a Certificate of Registration (8-140)
Policies IconPolicies
File

Language Fluency Requirement (8-81)
Policies IconPolicies
File

Examination Requirement (8-60)
Policies IconPolicies
File

Education and Fieldwork – Internationally Educated (8-21)
Policies IconPolicies
File

Education and Fieldwork – Canadian Educated (8-10)
Policies IconPolicies
File

Determining Suitability to Practise at Registration (8-72)
Policies IconPolicies
File

Currency Requirement for Annual Renewal (8-50)
Policies IconPolicies
File

Currency Requirement for Applicants (8-40)
Policies IconPolicies
File

Vulnerable Sector Screening (8-71)
Policies IconPolicies
File

Authorization to Work in Canada (8-100)
Policies IconPolicies
File

Applicant Access to Application File (8-170)
Policies IconPolicies
File

Alternative Documents for Registration (8-110)
Policies IconPolicies
File

Accommodation Requests in the Registration Process (8-190)
Standards IconStandards

Code of Ethics, 2020

This Code of Ethics provides registrants with information about the College of Occupational Therapists of…
Practice Guidance IconPractice Guidance

Use of Social Media, 2021

Social media refers to all “web-based and mobile applications that allow individuals or organizations to…
Standards IconStandards

Standard for Use of Title, 2023

Occupational therapists use a protected title that tells the public they are qualified to provide…
Q&As IconQ&As

Updating your information

Question: What are the consequences of not updating my information with the College? Answer:  If you…
Explore All Resources
Insights from investigations IconInsights from Investigations

Data from June 2024-November 2024

From June 1 to November 30, 2024, the Inquiries, Complaints and Reports Committee (ICRC) made…
Practice Guidance IconPractice Guidance

College Response to the Coroner’s Report: Death from Transfer Pole, 2024

At the request of the Office of the Chief Coroner of Ontario, the Geriatric and…
Standards IconStandards

Standard Overview

The Standards of Practice establish the minimum expectations for all occupational therapists in Ontario. They…
Practice Guidance IconPractice Guidance

Child, Youth and Family Services Act, 2017 (CYFSA)

The Ontario Child, Youth and Family Services Act (CYFSA), 2017 came into effect on April 30, 2018;…
Practice Guidance IconPractice Guidance

Advisory Statement: The Occupational Therapist’s Role in Naloxone Administration, 2017

As health care professionals, occupational therapists (OTs) work in a wide range of practice settings…
Standards IconStandards

Code of Ethics, 2020

This Code of Ethics provides registrants with information about the College of Occupational Therapists of…
Practice Guidance IconPractice Guidance

Remote (Virtual) Services, 2024

The use of technology to deliver healthcare services has become increasingly prevalent as an alternative…
Legislation & Bylaw IconLegislation & Bylaws

Legislation & Bylaws

What are the roles and powers of the College of Occupational Therapists of Ontario? Every…
Practice Guidance IconPractice Guidance

College Response to the Coroner’s Report: Deaths from Power Recliner Lift Chairs, 2022

The Office of the Chief Coroner of Ontario released a report from the Geriatric and…
Practice Guidance IconPractice Guidance
File

College Response to the Coroner’s Report: Deaths from Bed Entrapment, 2017
Practice Guidance IconPractice Guidance

Controlled Acts and Delegation

The College is committed to supporting Ontario occupational therapists (OTs) to ensure they are competent,…
Practice Guidance IconPractice Guidance

Determining Capacity Decision Tree

Use the Capacity Decision Tree to help determine who provides informed consent under the Health Care…
Practice Guidance IconPractice Guidance

Working Within Managed Resources, 2021

The delivery of health care services occurs within a complex system of stakeholders such as…
Practice Guidance IconPractice Guidance

Working with Third Party Payers, 2024

As occupational therapy practice evolves, occupational therapists are asked to provide their professional opinions or…
Practice Guidance IconPractice Guidance

Use of Social Media, 2021

Social media refers to all “web-based and mobile applications that allow individuals or organizations to…
Practice Tools IconPractice Tools
File

Record Keeping Review Tool
Standards IconStandards

Standard for Use of Title, 2023

Occupational therapists use a protected title that tells the public they are qualified to provide…
Standards IconStandards

Standard for the Supervision of Students and Occupational Therapy Assistants, 2023

Occupational therapists who supervise students or occupational therapy assistants remain professionally accountable for clients receiving…
Standards IconStandards

Standard for the Prevention and Management of Conflicts of Interest, 2023

Occupational therapists are required to be proactive in preventing, recognizing, and managing conflicts of interest…
Standards IconStandards

Standard for Record Keeping, 2023

Occupational therapists’ records are legal documents intended to officially capture the entirety of occupational therapy…
Standards IconStandards

Standard for Psychotherapy, 2023

This Standard applies to occupational therapists who perform psychotherapeutic techniques, including psychotherapy as a controlled act…
Practice Guidance IconPractice Guidance

Private Practice

Determining whether to open a private practice is a complex decision. Prior to entering private…
Standards IconStandards

Standard for Professional Boundaries and the Prevention of Sexual Abuse, 2023

Occupational therapists are fully responsible for establishing and maintaining professional relationships with clients, colleagues, students,…
Standards IconStandards

Standard for Infection Prevention and Control (IPAC), 2023

Occupational therapists protect the public by using best practices to minimize the risks of transmitting infection….
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Upcoming hearings

There are no upcoming hearings.

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Investigating concerns

Occupational therapists have a responsibility to provide quality services you can trust. Learn how our complaints process works and how to share your concerns.

Go to Concerns & Complaints

Ensuring ethical care

COTO sets standards and investigates complaints about occupational therapists.

We’re here to answer your questions and help you make informed decisions about your care provider. 

7357

registered OTs in Ontario

25

languages spoken by our OTs

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Patient & Public Help

We work for Ontario’s patients and public to ensure safe, quality services for everybody.  

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Practice Support

Just starting out or need help through your OT career? We have resources and support available. 

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In addition to our resources, we’re here to answer any questions or concerns you may have.  

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