The College supports the public’s right to safe, competent, and ethical care by occupational therapists. The following documents and resources set out clear requirements, and together define the expectations of the profession.

Code of Ethics and Competencies

The Code of Ethics defines the way occupational therapists, in all situations, should uphold the integrity of the profession, serve the interests of patients and clients, and act in a manner that justifies public trust.

The Competencies describe the essential knowledge, skills, and judgement needed by occupational therapists in order to practice.

Resource

Code of Ethics, 2020

Resource
File

Competencies for Occupational Therapists in Canada, 2021

Standards of Practice

The Standards define the level of performance, as a consensus of the profession, which forms the framework for practicing and ensuring continuing competence. They establish minimum expectations for all occupational therapists in Ontario.

Standards

Standard Overview

Standards

Glossary Overview

Standards

Standard for Acupuncture, 2023

Standards

Standard for Assessment and Intervention, 2023

Standards

Standard for Consent, 2023

Standards

Standard for Infection Prevention and Control (IPAC), 2023

Standards

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

Standards

Standard for Psychotherapy, 2023

Standards

Standard for Record Keeping, 2023

Standards

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

Standards

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

Standards

Standard for Use of Title, 2023

Practice Guidance

Practice guidance resources provide information about specific practice situations or legislation.

Practice Guidance

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

Practice Guidance

Guidance: Controlled Acts and Delegation, 2021

Practice Guidance

Decision-Making Framework, 2021

Practice Guidance

Guidance: Discontinuing Services, 2021

Practice Guidance

Guidance: Discretionary Reporting of Fitness to Drive, 2024

Practice Guidance

Guidance: Medical Assistance in Dying, 2021

Practice Guidance

Guidance: Privacy Legislation and Occupational Therapy Practice, 2023

Practice Guidance

Guidance: Private Practice, 2024

Practice Guidance

Guidance: Remote (Virtual) Services, 2024

Practice Guidance

Guidance: Use of Social Media, 2021

Practice Guidance

What Should Occupational Therapists Consider if Using Artificial Intelligence (AI) in Practice?

Practice Guidance

Guidance: Working with Third Party Payers, 2024

Practice Guidance

Guidance: Working Within Managed Resources, 2021

Advisory Statements and Responses to Coroner’s Reports

Advisory statements and College responses to Coroner’s Reports.

Practice Guidance

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

Practice Guidance
File

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

Practice Guidance

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

Practice Guidance

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