What are the roles and powers of the College of Occupational Therapists of Ontario? Every health regulatory college has its own legal framework for governing its profession.
Learn about the provincial legislation that has an impact on the practice of occupational therapy in Ontario, the regulations that occupational therapy professionals must follow, and the most current bylaws of the College.
Legislation
The (opens in a new tab)Occupational Therapy Act, 1991 and the Regulated Health Professions Act, 1991 (RHPA) determine how the occupational therapy profession is regulated in Ontario.
The Occupational Therapy Act, 1991 contains a scope of practice statement, as well as provisions and regulations specific to the occupational therapy profession. It includes entry-to-practice and title protection regulations.
The Regulated Health Professions Act, 1991 contains provisions regarding permitted actions and processes that are applicable to all regulated health professionals in Ontario.
Regulated Health Professions Act, 1991(opens in a new tab) (RHPA)
Occupational Therapy Act, 1991(opens in a new tab)
Health Care Consent Act, 1996(opens in a new tab)
Personal Health Information Protection Act, 2004 (opens in a new tab)(PHIPA)
Regulations
Regulations that govern the occupational therapy profession are made under both the Regulated Health Professions Act, 1991(opens in a new tab) and the Occupational Therapy Act, 1991(opens in a new tab).
Ontario Regulation 474/19: Controlled Acts(opens in a new tab)
Ontario Regulation 226/96: General(opens in a new tab)
Ontario Regulation 95/07: Professional Misconduct(opens in a new tab)
Bylaws
The College’s bylaws are the rules that govern how the College operates. Government legislation authorizes the Board of Directors to make bylaws related to the College’s governance (for example, committee structure, appointments and elections), administration and regulatory functions.
2025 Bylaws (English: DOCX(opens in a new tab) | PDF(opens PDF)(opens in a new tab) | French: DOCX(opens in a new tab) | PDF(opens PDF)(opens in a new tab))