A message from an ACOT Councillor
Did you know that Competence is an Ethical Responsibility?
In the previous version of ACOT’s Code of Ethics, competence was listed as a key value that OTs should strive to achieve at a high standard. The former document also listed ways in which OTs should indicate their commitment to competence. In ACOT’s recently refreshed Code of Ethics and Standards of Practice, “competence” shows up in a different way.
ACOT’s Code of Ethics, now structured in terms of the registrant’s ethical responsibilities for self, to clients, to colleagues, and to the public and the profession, captures competence differently. Competence is not something OTs just strive for. As described in section A. Responsibilities for Self, OTs are required to engage in reflective practice and continuous learning throughout their career to acquire, maintain and enhance competence in their practice. Registrants have an ethical responsibility to provide services only in areas of competence and to seek support and additional education, training, mentorship or supervision when a gap in competence is identified.
ACOT’s new Standards of Practice contain a standard, D. Competence, that outlines registrants’ performance expectations to practice within their level of competence and actively participate in ongoing learning to acquire, maintain and enhance their competence in practice. The standard also describes the registrants’ responsibility to participate in the Continuing Competence Program as outlined in ACOT’s new Continuing Competence Program Manual and section 51.1 of the Health Professions Act.
Competence is more than just a value. It is an ethical responsibility, mandated by legislation, that serves to protect the clients and community occupational therapists work with. If you would like ACOT to provide an in-person or virtual session at your workplace, to discuss and explore the new documents together, please contact ACOT at info@acot.ca.