To help achieve the College’s mandate of public protection, effective April 1, 2017, all applicants will be required to submit the results of a Vulnerable Sector (VS) Check with their application to the College.
- This requirement applies to applicants who were previously registered and have resigned or been revoked.
- Once registered, occupational therapists (OTs) may be randomly audited and asked to submit the results of a VS Check.
- The College will use the results of the VS Check to verify self-declarations made during the application and renewal processes, and updates made throughout the year.
- The College has a duty to regulate occupational therapy in the public interest and ensure that all OTs will practice safely and ethically. One of the ways to College does this is by setting entry-to-practice requirements that applicants must meet prior to being issued registration.
- While registered with the College, OTs must continue to meet a wide range of ongoing professional obligations and responsibilities.
OTs who are currently registered are not required to take any action at this time.
The College expects that the first audit will take place in 2018. OTs selected will be notified in writing about the process and associated timelines.
The College recognizes that the results of criminal record screening may not guarantee good character or predict future conduct. However, the College endorses criminal record screening as an important tool for helping to ensure public safety.
For more information please see the policy: Criminal Record Screening of Applicants and Members and the Vulnerable Sector Checks page of our website.