{"id":175,"date":"2024-11-19T17:48:45","date_gmt":"2024-11-19T22:48:45","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/live-coto.pantheonsite.io\/?page_id=175"},"modified":"2026-02-26T15:05:44","modified_gmt":"2026-02-26T20:05:44","slug":"conduct","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.coto.org\/registrants\/conduct\/","title":{"rendered":"Professional Conduct"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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Professional Conduct<\/h1>\n\n\n\n

As regulated health professionals, occupational therapists must meet professional standards and expectations. Occupational therapists work closely with the public. To maintain public trust, it is essential they practice ethically, safely and competently. If concerns arise, it\u2019s the responsibility of registrants, employers, and other professionals to report so COTO may take appropriate action.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

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Accountability<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Responding to Concerns<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Complaints Process<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Reporting<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Investigations<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Resources<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

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Accountability<\/mark> is key<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

COTO is here to make sure all members of the occupational therapy profession in Ontario follow the same rules. These rules help maintain a high level of care and professionalism across the field. They also ensure that all OTs meet specific qualifications and adhere to ethical guidelines. This consistency protects patients by giving them reliable and safe services. As well, it fosters trust within the community and healthcare partners.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

There are a few different ways we hold the profession accountable for conduct:<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

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Having a process to handle complaints and reports<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

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Sending cases to Committee to determine if discipline<\/a> or fitness to practise<\/a> assessment is needed<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

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Having OTs meet the duty to report<\/a> possible child abuse or neglect<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

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Having OTs and their employers file mandatory reports<\/a>, in cases of possible professional misconduct, incompetence, incapacity or sexual abuse<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

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Requiring OTs to self-report<\/a> information that may be relevant to their suitability to practise<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

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All publicly available information about occupational therapists in Ontario can be found in our public register.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Check the List of Registered Occupational Therapists<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
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Have you been notified<\/mark> of a concern or a complaint?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The College receives concerns from clients and their families, employers, other occupational therapists or health care practitioners, insurance companies, the police, and others. There are different levels of responses depending on how severe the concern is and the information we receive on it. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you\u2019ve been notified of a concern or complaint, we understand it can be stressful and you\u2019ll want to make sure you fully understand the process.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Learn about Complaints and Reports<\/strong><\/a><\/div>\n\n\n\n
Review Investigations Insights<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
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Understanding the complaints process<\/mark><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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