Do you use a website, social media, or other means to advertise your OT services? If so, you’ll want to familiarize yourself with ACOT’s Communications Standard of Practice that includes information on use of endorsements and testimonials. It states, in part: (The OT) Does not solicit or use endorsements or testimonials, including those from current or former clients or vendors regarding the registrant, their services or business, for advertising purposes. The Standard also speaks of maintaining confidentiality, which would limit use of client pictures in your advertisements, including websites without their informed consent. Why are these requirements in place? The Health Professions Act states: Advertising 102 A regulated member shall not engage in advertising that is untruthful, inaccurate or otherwise capable of misleading or misinforming the public.
Typically, we see only positive testimonials added to websites, which could lead the public who are choosing a service provider to believe the same positive results will always be achieved, and this is misleading.
As well, soliciting or using endorsements, testimonials or images of clients on your website could be perceived as a conflict of interest and risks exploiting the power imbalance inherent in the OT-client relationship.
So, what can you advertise? Your area(s) of focus and expertise, years of practice, credentials, that you are registered with ACOT, and general business practices such as clinic hours, how to book an appointment, etc. These are neutral items that do not suggest guaranteed results.
Take a moment to review your advertisements (online or in print) and update them as needed to ensure they are meeting ACOT’s Standards of Practice.
Click on the link above to check out all of ACOT’s Standards of Practice, and feel free to contact us at info@acot.ca if you have any questions about how the Standards might apply in your context.