2018 Currency (Practice Hours) Review

Requests for Review must be submitted
by March 15, 2018 at 4 pm.

Occupational therapists are now required to have 600 practice hours within the scope of practice of the profession in the 3 years immediately preceding the date of registration renewal or their application for reinstatement.

As this change came into effect October 2, 2017, the Registration Committee will consider hours spent in other activities that support your continuing competence and the delivery of safe, ethical, and effective care. These activities may include participation in volunteer work and continuing professional development (both formal and informal study) from July 1, 2015 to June 30, 2018. However, these hours cannot exceed 20%, i.e., 120 hours, of the 600 required hours, and cannot have been accumulated while your registration status was non-practising or cancelled, or while you were participating in a re-entry program.

The Registration Committee will use the following definitions when reviewing your submission.

Formal study
Formal Study is a period of structured study that is provided by a person or organization. This can be any type of course or program that is relevant to your practice and occupational therapy. These can be delivered by distance (e-learning) or face-to-face. Examples include, but are not limited to:
o    Post-graduate education resulting in a recognized degree from an accredited program (e.g. Graduate certificate, Masters or PhD);
o    Advanced certification from recognized institutions e.g. sensory integration, hand therapy;
o    Modules, courses or elements currently included in programs run by educational institutions; and
o    Programs offered by regulatory organizations.

Informal study
Informal Study is a period of study you structure yourself.  Examples include, but are not limited to:
o    Review of COTBC webinars, podcasts;
o    Completion of learning modules;
o    Review of COTBC Practice Standards/Guidelines and Advisory Statements;
o    Critical appraisal of articles in practice publications, blogs, and scholarly journals;
o    Participation in journal clubs; and/or
o    Participation in study groups, practice networks, etc.

Volunteer work
Volunteer hours are considered when the work falls within the definition of the practice of occupational therapy as outlined in the governing legislation (Occupational Therapists Regulation). Depending on the occupational therapist’s role this work may include clinical or nonclinical work.