As regulated health care professionals, occupational therapists (OTs) make a commitment to continuous improvement. Every OT in Ontario is required to take part in the College’s Quality Assurance (QA) program. The QA program is designed to help OTs reflect on their roles and responsibilities, and identify new learning required to ensure they can provide safe, effective, ethical care. The QA program also measures knowledge and performance to ensure OTs are meeting professional standards. 

The QA program is one of the ways that the College gives members of the profession the tools and feedback to continually improve their competence. That adds to public protection.

QA Program Requirements

In occupational therapy, the demands of the practice environments and client needs constantly change. Completing the requirements of the QA Program helps OTs keep their knowledge and skills current.

The College has three mandatory requirements for all OTs:

1. Self-Assessment. This requirement promotes reflection by the OT about their practice. Are they meeting the Essential Competencies? Do some areas need improvement? OTs must complete this assessment every other year, between June – October 31, or when a change in practice occurs.
2. Prescribed Regulatory Education Program (PREP). Each year, OTs complete a self-directed learning module. This enhances OT knowledge of current professional practice standards.
   
3. Professional Development Plan. Every year, OTs must document their learning goals, activities and results of the learning.

Competency Review and Evaluation

As part of the QA program, OTs receive feedback to encourage practice improvements. Each year the College randomly selects approximately 10% of OTs to engage in a review and evaluation referred to as the Competency Review and Evaluation (CRE).

If selected, the OT's QA requirements are reviewed by the College. In addition, the OT’s peers, co-workers and clients complete a survey. Information is collected about the OT’s practice, to determine if the OT is meeting the Essential Competencies and accepted standards of the profession.

In some cases, an OT may be required to complete a Practice Assessment. This is a more detailed evaluation of competency. If that happens:

• The OT is assigned a peer assessor, who will schedule an assessment and communicate with the OT.
• The peer assessor, who is an experienced OT, reviews and discusses client records and interviews the OT.
• The assessor provides a report to the OT and the Quality Assurance Committee about the OT’s practice, any issues and identified learning needs.
• The Committee determines whether the OT’s practice demonstrates continued competence and meets acceptable standards.
• If practice concerns and/or learning needs are identified, the Committee may call for continuing education or remedial activities.