ACOT, the Alberta College of Occupational Therapists is the licensing/regulatory body for occupational therapists in Alberta. The primary role of a regulatory body is to protect and serve the public interest. ACOT accomplishes this role through a variety of ways listed below:
- Setting registration requirements; issuing practice permits
- Informing the public about such topics as qualifications for “entry into practice”, registration requirements, etc.
- Monitoring adherence to ACOT Standards of Practice and Code of Ethics
- Establishing programs and guidelines that promote competent and ethical OT practice (e.g., Continuing Competency Program, practice guidelines)
- Responding to concerns raised about registrants’ practice
- Contributing to national OT core competency and standards’ documents
- Publishing inter-provincial documents/agreements as appropriate (e.g., agreement on internal trade, memorandums of understanding)
- Assisting OTs in interpreting applicable public protection legislation, public health orders, regulatory and professional legislation, standards of practice and code of ethics
- Liaising with key partners (e.g. Annual Report provided to the Minister of Health)
Roles and Responsibilities for ACOT, SAOT and CAOT
