Within the RHPA there is a restriction placed on the title “doctor”. Section 33 (1) of the RHPA states:
Except as allowed in the regulations under this Act, “no person shall use the title “doctor”, a variation or abbreviation or equivalent in another language in the course of providing or offering to provide, in Ontario, health care to individuals”.
Exceptions in the legislation permit the use of the title “doctor” by chiropractors, optometrists, psychologists, physicians, dentists, and naturopaths.
This restriction on the use of the title “doctor” applies when OTs are providing or offering to provide health care to individuals. OTs who hold a doctorate degree, which may include a PhD or a clinical doctorate of occupational therapy (OTD) may use the title “doctor” in appropriate non-clinical circumstances, for example, when teaching or publishing research.
Standard 8
The OT will only use the title “doctor” as permitted in legislation.
Performance Indicators
8.1
Not use the title “doctor” orally or in writing when providing or offering to provide health care to individuals
8.2
When holding a doctorate degree such as a PhD or OTD, only use the title “doctor” for non-clinical purposes.