The practice of occupational therapy is regulated in the province of Nova Scotia under the Occupational Therapists Act (1988) and related regulations:
The College of Occupational Therapists of Nova Scotia (COTNS) is the regulating body for occupational therapists in Nova Scotia. Individuals who practice as an occupational therapist in the province must be registered with COTNS.
Each province has its own regulatory body for occupational therapy. If you are providing occupational therapy services virtually to a patient who is residing outside of Nova Scotia (either permanently or temporarily), it is your responsibility to ensure you know the licensing, or any other requirements, set by that province’s regulatory body.
Competency documents describe the knowledge, skills and attitudes (competencies) that are required for an occupational therapist to practice safely, effectively and ethically.
These competencies set the professional standards for developing entry to practice requirements and continuing competency requirements. These competencies are developed nationally by the Association of Canadian Occupational Therapy Regulatory Organizations (ACOTRO) and are considered the standards for occupational therapists in any province in Canada.
The College of Occupational Therapists of Nova Scotia develops standards and guidelines to set minimum expectations and establish how occupational therapists should practice.
They support professional practice by:
The Code of Ethics establishes the values and principles to which the College of Occupational Therapists of Nova Scotia expects occupational therapists to adhere. Occupational therapists are expected to be familiar with this code and to integrate it into their day-to-day practice.