As you may be aware, ACOT’s Standard of Practice (SoP) C7 prohibits the use of client testimonials and endorsements. This standard came into effect in September 2024.
SoP C7 states:
(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.”
Why are these requirements in place? Section 102 of the Health Professions Act states:
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. This could lead potential clients to believe the same positive results will be achieved for them, and this would be misleading.
As well, soliciting or using testimonials or endorsements from current or former clients could be perceived as a conflict of interest and risks exploiting the power imbalance inherent in the OT-client relationship.
Please review your advertisements (online or in print) and update them as needed to ensure you are meeting ACOT’s Standards of Practice.
ACOT will begin contacting registrants individually if it comes to our attention that a registrant is using testimonials or endorsements for advertising purposes, to ensure that all registrants are adhering to 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.