2020-2021 Mandatory Training, Web Site Update, Strategic Plan

Mandatory Training Module Available

On April 1, 2019, the requirements listed in the Government of Alberta’s An Act to Protect Patients came into effect. The new Act applies consistent penalties to all health professionals regulated under the Health Professions Act for findings of sexual abuse or sexual misconduct.

All health professionals regulated under the Health Professions Act are required to take training regarding maintaining appropriate boundaries, to help protect patients/clients from sexual abuse and sexual misconduct. The Alberta Federation of Regulated Health Professions has created an online training course consisting of three modules for this purpose, which can be accessed for free at http://afrhp.org/bill21-protecting-patients/ . The modules contain important information you will need to keep in mind regarding maintaining appropriate boundaries with your clients.

The three modules take approximately one hour to complete, and completion of them must be added as part of your 2020-2021 Action Plan in ACOT’s Continuing Competence Program (CCP). To do this, select a relevant Standard of Practice or Code of Ethics indicator (i.e. 1.2, 10.1, 11.2, 12.1, 13.1) as an area of focus in your 2020-2021 self-assessment tool in the CCP. Then, when prompted in your CCP Action Plan to reflect on why you have selected this area of focus, note that “the mandatory modules on maintaining appropriate boundaries will be available for all registrants to take this year”. Below this in the goal statement section, state something such as, “I will complete the required educational modules on maintaining appropriate boundaries during the 2020-2021 registration year.”

Once you have completed the three modules, you will be able to print a personalized completion certificate, which you will need to upload as a supporting document in a Learning Record (note: in either .pdf or image format) when completing your 2020-2021 CCP. You will be required to declare that you have completed the modules when renewing for the 2021-22 registration year.

If you have any questions about this required training, please contact Marianne Baird, Registrar at Marianne.Baird@acot.ca or 780.436.8381 ext. 105.

Web Site Update

ACOT is working behind the scenes on a refresh of our web site, with a focus on easier navigation and usability. We anticipate the new site will be ready to launch in Spring of 2020.

Strategic Plan

ACOT has experienced many changes in the past few years, as have occupational therapists across Alberta. With these changes have come exciting opportunities and challenges, which has set the stage for an update to ACOT’s strategic plan. Council is in the process of finalizing our next Strategic Plan – stay tuned for further developments!