You are Invited to:
ACOT’s Virtual Consultation on the proposed
Diagnostic Practices Standard of Practice for Occupational Therapists,
October 14, 20, or 21, 2026
The Alberta College of Occupational Therapists (ACOT) is hosting consultations on its draft Diagnostic Practices Standard of Practice which permits occupational therapists (OTs) in Alberta to establish and communicate diagnoses within their areas of practice and competence. This development is intended to respond to the realities of Alberta’s overburdened healthcare system and support the provincial government’s goal of creating a seamless patient journey with the right care, when and where Albertans need it. Formally recognizing OTs’ expertise and contributions to diagnosis, while maintaining strong public protection measures, has the potential to enhance workforce efficiency and improve Albertans’ access to services, supports, and resources.
To support safe diagnostic practice, OTs who want to engage in establishing and/or communicating a diagnosis would be required to:
- Complete an ACOT Council approved Safe Diagnostic Practice course;
- Receive authorization from ACOT;
- Adhere to a new Standard of Practice for Diagnostic Practices;
- Only undertake diagnostic activities relevant to the practice of occupational therapy, their specific area of practice (e.g., pediatrics, mental health, hand therapy, geriatrics, etc.,) and competence; and
- Continue to collaborate with other healthcare professionals when additional expertise, testing, or assessment are needed to establish or rule out a diagnosis.
Please join us for a 90-minute virtual town hall meeting to learn more about this initiative to modernize the occupational therapy regulatory framework and better reflect the health needs of Albertans. A presentation of the proposed changes will be followed with a question-and-answer period.
Please select one of the following sessions to attend (the same information will be presented at each of the meetings):
October 14, 2026 at 11.30 am – 1.00 pm MT: Register Here
October 20, 2026 at 6.00 pm – 7.30 pm MT: Register Here
October 21, 2026 at 9.00 am – 10.30 am MT: Register Here
Once you register you will receive a confirmation email with a link to attend your chosen virtual session via Microsoft Teams. Please check your spam folder if you do not receive the confirmation email. A separate email will be sent to you closer to the town hall meeting with materials to read in preparation for the session.
If you have any questions, please email consultations@acot.ca.
We look forward to your participation in the consultation.