Effective November 1st, 2021, occupational therapists registered in other provinces who are providing virtual services to clients in Nova Scotia can do so based on their existing registration in the province they are located. Specific registration for delivery of occupational therapy services virtually is no longer required in Nova Scotia.

The rules for in-person services are unchanged in that occupational therapists providing in-person services to a client residing in Nova Scotia must obtain temporary or general registration in Nova Scotia.

What does this mean for occupational therapists outside Nova Scotia providing virtual services to clients in Nova Scotia?

The College is taking the position that occupational therapy service delivery occurs in the province where the occupational therapist is registered, rather than where the client resides. This means the occupational therapist must follow the rules and regulations of the province where they are registered. If a client has a complaint or concern about the service they received, they can file this with the regulatory organization where the occupational therapist is registered.

 

 

 Prior to November 1, 2021

 As of November 1, 2021

 Virtual Services

The occupational therapist requires a temporary or full registration in the province where the client is located. 

The occupational therapist requires registration in the province where they (the occupational therapist) are located. 

 In-Person Services

The occupational therapist requires a temporary or full registration in the province where the client is located. 

 Unchanged

 

 Why did the College make this change?

With advances in technology, clients, occupational therapists, employers, and other stakeholders are seeking alternatives to in-person interactions. This can increase access to occupational therapy services and enables continuity of care when a client or therapist relocates. With the COVID-19 pandemic, the use of virtual services increased across Canada, making this change increasingly important to ensure access to occupational therapy services for clients in Nova Scotia.

Considerations when providing virtual services to clients in Nova Scotia

It is expected that occupational therapists providing virtual services to clients in Nova Scotia follow the rules of the province where they are regulated. The occupational therapist should:


What if a client has concerns about the occupational therapy services they received?

Occupational therapists must abide by regulatory Code of Ethics and applicable professional standards and guidance in the province where they are regulated. If a client has concerns about the services they received, they can file a complaint with the regulatory organization where the occupational therapist is registered.

List of provincial occupational therapy regulators:


What about occupational therapists registered in Nova Scotia who want to provide virtual services to clients in other provinces?

Occupational therapists should contact the regulator in the province where the client resides to confirm whether registration is required.

What about providing services to clients outside Canada?

Occupational therapists are encouraged to contact the regulatory authority in the country in which the client resides to see what is needed to practice in that jurisdiction.

The Association of Canadian Occupational Therapy Regulatory Organizations (ACOTRO) is working on implementing a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) for cross jurisdictional virtual/telehealth services.  For more information on cross jurisdiction practice across Canada, click here for the latest information. 

For more information, please contact the Registrar – registrar@cotns.ca