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
Look up an OT

Our latest updates

5 May 2025

Notice: Possible Postal Service Disruption

There may be a labour disruption at Canada Post in the coming weeks. In the…
23 April 2025

Learning Plan Resources for Goal Setting, Learning, and Professional Development

Reminder: 2025 Quality Assurance learning plans are now available in the COTO Portal. Setting meaningful goals in…
17 April 2025

Notice: Office Closure April 18 and April 21, 2025

Our office will be closed for Good Friday and Easter Monday on Friday, April 18…
16 April 2025

“As of Right” Legislation Announcement

Today, the Ontario government introduced the Protect Ontario through Free Trade within Canada Act to…
2 April 2025

March 27, 2025 Board Meeting Highlights

Quarterly reports and key performance indicators The Board discussed the evolution of quarterly reports and key…
28 March 2025

Now Open: Annual Renewal 2025

Annual renewal is now open. Occupational therapists can now renew their registration for the 2025-2026…
21 March 2025

Survey: Occupational Therapy Fieldwork Capacity

The College encourages all Ontario occupational therapists to participate in this survey from Queen’s University…
19 March 2025

Board Meeting: March 27, 2025

Our next College Board meeting will be held on Thursday, March 27, 2025 from 9:00…
19 March 2025

Accessing Tax Receipts

Tax receipts are only available for registration fees. Application fees cannot be claimed for tax purposes.  Accessing…
13 March 2025

Now Available: 2025 Learning Plan

The 2025 Learning Plan is now available. Log in to the COTO Portal to get…
See More News
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January 30, 2025 Board Meeting Minutes
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Request for a Letter of Professional Standing
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Speaker Request Form
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February 28, 2025 Special Board Meeting Agenda
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Privacy Code
Resource IconBoard Meeting Materials
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January 30, 2025 Board Meeting Agenda
Resource IconBoard Meeting Materials
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January 30, 2025 Board Meeting Package
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

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

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

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…
Videos IconVideos

Occupational therapists and the College of Occupational Therapists of Ontario

The College of Occupational Therapists registers (licenses) occupational therapists (OTs) in Ontario. Our job is…
Practice Guidance IconPractice Guidance

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

Guidance: Discontinuing Services, 2021

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

Personal Health Information Protection Act, 2004
Resource IconBoard Meeting Materials
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October 24, 2024 Board Meeting Minutes
Resource IconBoard Meeting Materials
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October 24, 2024 Board Meeting Agenda
Resource IconBoard Meeting Materials
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October 24, 2024 Board Meeting Package
Explore All Resources
Practice Guidance IconPractice Guidance

Protected: Culture, Equity, and Justice in Occupational Therapy Practice

There is no excerpt because this is a protected post.
Practice Tools IconPractice Tools

Quick Reference: Use of Title—What you must, must not, and may do

Use of Title: What you must, must not, and may do Title protection is one…
Q&As IconQ&As

Record Keeping Considerations for Employers

Occupational therapists are responsible for keeping detailed records about their clients’ care. These records are…
Q&As IconQ&As

Delegation of Controlled Acts

Question: Are occupational therapists permitted to delegate any controlled acts to others? Answer: No, occupational therapists…
Resource IconForms
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Professional Appointee Application Form
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Request for a Letter of Professional Standing
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Labour Mobility Support Agreement (LMSA) Confirmation Form
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Request for Deferral: Examination
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Speaker Request Form
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Candidate Eligibility & Consent Form
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Initial Application: Certificate of Authorization for a Health Professional Corporation
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Application for Renewal: Certificate of Authorization for a Health Professional Corporation
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File

Supervision Acknowledgement Form For Temporary Registration
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Provisional Registration Supervision Agreement
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File

Regulatory History Form
Resource IconResource

Mapping a Path to Success: Goal Setting Made Simple

Listen to the podcast: Mapping a Path to Success: Goal Setting Made Simple Want help?…
Webinars & Podcasts IconWebinars & Podcasts

Mapping a Path to Success: Goal Setting Made Simple (Podcast)

Goal setting is more than just a professional requirement—it’s the key to unlocking your potential…
Case Studies IconCase Studies

Maintaining Professional Boundaries

Background At some point in every occupational therapist’s career, the issue of a professional boundary…
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File

Privacy Code
Webinars & Podcasts IconWebinars & Podcasts

2025 COTO Board Elections Webinar

Recording of the December 10, 2024 webinar on the College of Occupational Therapists of Ontario’s…
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Welcome Guide

Welcome Guide A guide for new registrants with the College of Occupational Therapists of Ontario….
Q&As IconQ&As

Documentation after leaving employment

Question: Do I need to respond to questions or requests about past clinical records if…
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Confidentiality Policy
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Conflict of Interest Policy
Explore All Resources
Resource IconForms
File

Labour Mobility Support Agreement (LMSA) Confirmation Form
Resource IconForms
File

Request for Deferral: Examination
Resource IconForms
File

Initial Application: Certificate of Authorization for a Health Professional Corporation
Resource IconForms
File

Application for Renewal: Certificate of Authorization for a Health Professional Corporation
Resource IconForms
File

Supervision Acknowledgement Form For Temporary Registration
Resource IconForms
File

Provisional Registration Supervision Agreement
Resource IconForms
File

Regulatory History Form
Resource IconResource
File

Privacy Code
Videos IconVideos

Registration for Internationally Educated Professionals

Are you an internationally educated professional? Watch this video to learn more about registering with…
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

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…
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)
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Examination Requirement (8-60)
Policies IconPolicies
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Education and Fieldwork – Internationally Educated (8-21)
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Education and Fieldwork – Canadian Educated (8-10)
Policies IconPolicies
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Determining Suitability to Practise at Registration (8-72)
Policies IconPolicies
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Currency Requirement for Annual Renewal (8-50)
Policies IconPolicies
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Currency Requirement for Applicants (8-40)
Policies IconPolicies
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Vulnerable Sector Screening (8-71)
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Authorization to Work in Canada (8-100)
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Applicant Access to Application File (8-170)
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Resource IconResource

Employer Newsletter Archive

COTO’s dedicated employer newsletter shares news, resources, and information for employers of occupational therapists. We…
Practice Tools IconPractice Tools

Quick Reference: Use of Title—What you must, must not, and may do

Use of Title: What you must, must not, and may do Title protection is one…
Q&As IconQ&As

Annual Renewal & Employers

What employers need to know about license renewal for occupational therapists As an employer in…
Q&As IconQ&As

Record Keeping Considerations for Employers

Occupational therapists are responsible for keeping detailed records about their clients’ care. These records are…
Resource IconForms
File

Request for a Letter of Professional Standing
Resource IconForms
File

Speaker Request Form
Resource IconResource
File

Privacy Code
Q&As IconQ&As

Documentation after leaving employment

Question: Do I need to respond to questions or requests about past clinical records if…
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

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…
Practice Guidance IconPractice Guidance

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

Guidance: Controlled Acts and Delegation, 2021

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

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

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

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…
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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. 

7387

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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Contact Us

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

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