elderly patient with occupational therapist The College’s Quality Assurance program supports occupational therapists (OTs) in the delivery of safe, effective, ethical care.

The QA program ensures continuing competence and quality care by requiring occupational therapists to:


The College is responsible for monitoring registrant compliance with the QA program and to follow-up with occupational therapists who require support. The focus of the QA program is to ensure the delivery of quality occupational therapy services through education, continuous quality improvement and remediation.

Why does the College have a QA program?

The Regulated Health Professions Act, 1991 requires the College to have a Quality Assurance program to support its mandate to protect the public. The program measures knowledge and performance to ensure occupational therapists are meeting the Essential Competencies and the Standards of Practice.

Taking part in the QA program gives occupational therapists a chance to reflect on their practice. It helps them to focus on where they need to learn more to ensure they can provide safe, effective, ethical care.

The QA program supports occupational therapists with tools and feedback so that they can keep improving their skills.

Do occupational therapists have to take part in the QA program?

Yes! The law requires regulated health care professionals, including occupational therapists, to take part in their College’s QA program.

Occupational therapists must complete a QA declaration when they first register with the College and each year when they renew. This shows that they understand and agree to comply with the QA program.

The College’s Compliance with Quality Assurance Program Requirements explains what the Quality Assurance Committee of the College can do if occupational therapists do not comply.

What does the QA program involve?

The QA program has three parts:

  1. Competency Enhancement (annual QA requirements)
  2. Competency Assessment
  3. Competency Improvement

QA Competency Table



What is Involved in Competency Enhancement?
What is Involved in Competency Assessment?
What is Involved in Competency Improvement?


Competency is a measurable pattern of knowledge, skills, judgement, and behaviour that an OT requires to perform their work successfully. Continuing competency is the process of refining one’s skills and knowledge through ongoing professional development.

Do you have more questions? Contact us:

qaprogram@coto.org

Confidential Fax Number:

416.214.0851

Click here for COTO staff directory.

QA Program Resources for Registrants: