Diagnosing in Occupational Therapy Practice
The Alberta College of Occupational Therapists (ACOT) is planning to allow occupational therapists (OTs) in Alberta to establish and communicate diagnoses within their areas of practice and competence.
This change modernizes the occupational therapy regulatory framework to better reflect the realities of Alberta’s 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 existing contributions to diagnosing, 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, geriatrics, mental health, hand therapy, etc.), and competence.
- Continue to collaborate with other healthcare professionals when additional expertise, testing, or assessment are needed to establish or rule out a diagnosis.
ACOT recognizes that time is required to raise awareness of the changes and undertake meaningful consultation before submitting the proposed education requirements and standard of practice to the Ministries of Advanced Education and Primary and Preventative Health Services. Engagement and consultation will occur between September 2026 and April 2027.
More information about this initiative can be found here:
Register for a 90-minute virtual town hall meeting to learn more about the proposed changes and participate in a question-and-answer discussion period:
- October 14, 2026 at 11.30 am – 1.00 pm MT: Click to Register
- October 20, 2026 at 6.00 pm – 7.30 pm MT: Click to Register
- October 21, 2026 at 9.00 am – 10.30 am MT: Click to Register
AND/OR
Complete a short 5 to 10-minute survey to share your thoughts and questions and help inform the regulation of OTs diagnosing:
Feedback and insights gathered through the town halls and survey will be used to revise the draft Standard of Practice. The revised draft will then be shared for further consultation, as required by sections 132.1 and 133 of the Health Professions Act, before it is considered for adoption by ACOT’s Council.
For more information, please contact consultations@acot.ca.