The College of Occupational Therapists of Ontario (COTO) is the provincial regulatory body for occupational therapists practicing in Ontario. COTO exists to protect the public interest by setting standards for practice and supporting registered occupational therapists “to ensure that they are competent, ethical and accountable in enabling the health of Ontarians.” (http://www.coto.org/)

COTO Code of Ethics

The COTO Code of Ethics outlines expectations for ethical occupational therapy practice within any OT practice context or domain. The COTO Code of Ethics emphasizes the values of Respect and Trust and states that these two values are ‘as important as the laws, regulations, and College standards and guidelines under which occupational therapists are governed.’ Student occupational therapists must adhere to the COTO Code of Ethics and so are encouraged to become familiar with this document.

COTO Standards for the Supervision of Students

COTO has developed standards to outline minimum expectations and parameters to guide occupational therapists in their fieldwork teaching role. Fieldwork supervision is seen by the College as a component of an occupational therapist’s responsibility and commitment to the profession. The standards provide guidance in the areas of: Accountability, Registrant Competency/Experience, Supervision of Students, Risk Management/Safety Considerations, Informed Consent, Record Keeping, Professional Boundaries, Use of Title, Role Emerging Placements, and Controlled Acts. Click here for the entire Standards document.