Effective May 22, 2025, Ontario occupational therapists no longer need to be registered in British Columbia (BC) to provide remote (virtual) services to British Columbia residents.
In addition, occupational therapists registered in British Columbia can now provide remote services from their province to clients located in Ontario without having to register with COTO.
Current registrants in Ontario who are also registered in British Columbia will be contacted by COTO regarding this change.
Providing Remote (Virtual) Services Across Jurisdictions
COTO signed and adopted the Memorandum of Understanding on Cross-Jurisdiction Remote Practice.
- Under this agreement, occupational therapists registered in Ontario who want to provide remote services to clients located in Alberta, British Columbia, Manitoba, New Brunswick, Newfoundland and Labrador, Nova Scotia, and Prince Edward Island are permitted do so under their Ontario registration. Occupational therapists are encouraged to confirm any local requirements with the provincial regulator.
- For clients located in Alberta, Quebec, and Saskatchewan: occupational therapists must contact the regulators in these provinces to obtain special authorization to provide remote services and/or learn about restricted activities.
- Occupational therapists who are registered with any province may provide remote services from their province to clients located in Ontario without having to be registered with COTO.
These rules apply whether clients are temporarily or permanently located outside of Ontario.
For more information about remote services see:
If you have any questions, please contact the Practice Resource Service.