On March 31, 2025, the College of Occupational Therapists of Nova Scotia migrated from the former Occupational Therapists Act, 1998 to the Regulated Health Professions Act (RHPA). The RHPA introduces a new framework and rules for the regulation of Occupational Therapy in Nova Scotia - including a new name for the COTNS.

COTNS is now the Nova Scotia Occupational Therapy Regulator (NSOTR). This new name more clearly represents our regulatory role and public protection mandate, in line with best practices for regulatory bodies. We are excited to share our new logo and brand with you in the coming weeks.

Existing Licenses and Permits

All documents, licenses, certificates, and permits issued under the former COTNS name will remain valid after March 31. If for any reason you require an updated document using the new name, please contact NSOTR.

New Legislative Framework

Under the RHPA, the new regulator will be governed by:

• Regulated Health Professions Act, 2023
• Two sets of Regulations under the RHPA:
• Regulated Health Professions General Regulations
• Regulations Respecting Occupational Therapy
• Bylaws, which will be passed by the Board of the Regulator, as allowed by section 12 of the RHPA and section 4 of the Regulations Respecting Occupational Therapy.

Revisions to Existing Policies

All existing COTNS policies will need to align with the new Act and Regulations. Revisions to our current policies are underway and the updated policies will be published on our website as soon as they are approved by the Board or responsible committee.

Changes to Registration Categories

The Regulator will be changing how we categorize licenses and registration in our records and our public directory to align with the RHPA. A licence is now either:

Practicing: a registrant who holds this licence can practice occupational therapy without restrictions or conditions. This registrant is on the practicing register.

Conditional: a registrant who holds this licence can practice occupational therapy with restrictions or under terms, limits, or conditions. This registrant is on the conditional register.

A registrant who has not yet completed the NOTCE will have a Conditional licence and be on the Conditional register, but must still use Provisional title:

• Provisional Occupational Therapist
• Provisional OT

Other Important Changes

• A new logo and branding is forthcoming (the current logo is a temporary placeholder)
• A new website will launch in the coming months as NSOTR.ca.
• COTNS e-mail addresses will be updated, but e-mails sent to the former addresses will auto-forward to the new addresses for the foreseeable future.