Professional Associations and Legislation
As an occupational therapist in long term care in Alberta, Canada, awareness of multiple levels of associations and legislation is essential. On this page, you will find links to:
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Relevant associations for occupational therapy practice.
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Associations for other disciplines who commonly collaborate with occupational therapists.
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Legislation in Alberta, Canada for:
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Health care.
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Occuaptional therapy.
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Continuing care in Alberta, Canada.
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Professional Associations for Occupational Therapists
Canadian Association
of Occupational Therapists
CAOT supports excellence in Occupational Therapy across Canada through advocacy, resources, networking, and education. Membership is voluntary.
Alberta College of Occupational Therapists This is the licensing body for occupational therapists. Registration is mandatory to practice and use the title of Occupational Therapist in Alberta.
Society of Alberta Occupational Therapists
SAOT focuses on networking, education, and advocacy for the OT profession in Alberta
Professional Associations for Other Disciplines
College of Dietitians of Alberta
OTs and dietitians may collaborate on dysphagia, feeding, & swallowing.
College of Registered Nurses of Alberta & College of Licensed Practical Nurses of Alberta
OTs and nurses may collaborate on comprehensive assessment and care planning
Alberta Kinesiology Association
OTs and kinesiologists may collaborate on exercise and energy management
OTs and physicians may collaborate on overall health and medical management (OT provides observations/suggestions and physician determines medical treatment plan).
College of Physiotherapists of Alberta
OTs and physiotherapists may collaborate on mobility, ambulation, transfers, muscle tone and spasticity.
Alberta Therapeutic Recreation Association OTs and recreation therapists may collaborate on promoting engagement in meaningful activities
College and Association of
Respiratory Therapists of Alberta
OTs and RRTs may collaborate on positioning for optimal respiration.
Alberta College of Social Workers
OTs and social workers may collaborate on responsive behaviors, psychosocial needs, and cognitive abilities for decision making.
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Alberta College of Speech-Language Pathologists and Audiologists
OTs and speech-language pathologists may collaborate on dysphagia, feeding/swallowing and communication.
Therapy Assistant Association of Alberta
OTs and therapy assistants may collaborate on implementation of treatment plans.
Health Care Legislation
Canada Health Act
Legislation outlining the criteria that must be met in order for a province to receive federal funding for health care.
Health Professions Act
Governs regulated health professions in Alberta in terms of college registration, continuing competence, and complaints.
Governs patient's right to privacy and the right to request their own information.
Legislation and Standards for Occupational Therapy Practice in Alberta, Canada
Competencies for
Occupational Therapists in Canada
Guiding document for occupational therapy throughout the country; sets expectations re: competencies.
Governs protection and access to health information.
Alberta College of Occupational Therapists Code of Ethics
Identifies principles that must be withheld for ethical occupational therapy practice.
Legislation and Standards for Continuing Care in Alberta, Canada
This bill has not yet been passed, but would replace all existing continuing care legislation.
Facility Based Care Review​​
A recent comprehensive review that will impact future directions for continuing care in Alberta.
Current legislation for nursing homes. Expected to be replaced by Bill 11.