On August 17, 2021, Ontario’s Chief Medical Officer of Health issued a new directive (Directive #6) requiring hospitals, home and community care service providers, and ambulance services to have a vaccination policy, with an implementation date of September 7, 2021.
Employers in these settings will be required to develop, implement, monitor, and maintain vaccination policies to ensure all employees, contractors, students, and volunteers are vaccinated or tested regularly. At a minimum, these individuals will be required to provide proof of one of the following:
- Full vaccination against COVID-19;
- A medical reason for not being vaccinated against COVID-19; or
- Completion of a COVID-19 vaccination educational session.
Individuals who do not provide proof of full vaccination against COVID-19 will be required to undertake regular antigen testing. Employers in these settings will be required to track and report on the implementation of their policies to the provincial government.
Impact on occupational therapists
This new directive alerts all occupational therapists that they will need to understand and adhere to the policies set out by their employer. This may impact some occupational therapists in leadership roles who may also be involved in the implementation of this new directive.
The College will be updating the website with any supporting resources as they become available. Occupational therapists who work for hospitals and community care service providers are encouraged to speak with their employer about this new directive and how this impacts them and their role.
While we cannot provide legal advice or additional interpretation of this legislation, please contact the Practice Team if you have questions about your occupational therapy practice at [email protected] or 1-800-890-6570 ext 240.