New Deputy Registrar Appointed
The College of Occupational Therapists of British Columbia (COTBC) is delighted to announce the appointment of Susan Mulholland to the new position of Deputy Registrar.
Susan has a long history of service to the profession, most recently as Associate Professor and Academic Coordinator of Clinical Education for the Department of Occupational Therapy at the University of Alberta, a position she has held since 1999. In addition to her research in fieldwork education she also explores concepts related to the interaction between individuals and their physical environment, and those settings that facilitate or impede performance of healthy occupations. Some may recall Susan’s earlier work in the design and development of appropriate wheeled mobility devices for women with disabilities in India.
Susan’s research and other accomplishments reveal a constant theme of communication and collaboration that will be invaluable as she assumes responsibilities in the areas of registration, client relations and standards.
Registrar Kathy Corbett is delighted to have Susan join the team at the college. “She brings exceptional qualifications including experience at an OT regulatory board, program evaluation and policy development. Her previous role in developing clinical education and supported fieldwork also demonstrates her strong connection with issues registrant experience in everyday practice.”
Susan studied at the University of Victoria until moving on to complete her undergraduate degree in occupational therapy at the University of Toronto in 1988 and her Master of Science – Rehabilitation in 1996 at Queen’s University. She will assume her responsibilities January 5, 2010 and report directly to the registrar.
Call for Nominations –2010 COTBC Board
Nomination forms for the upcoming 2009 COTBC Board election were mailed to registrants in the summer. Please consider nominating or being nominated for an elected board member position. It is a chance to expand your own knowledge and skills and contribute to the development of the college and its programs, to ensure safe, ethical and competent practice.
If you are a registrant interested in applying for a committee position, please download and complete the committee expression of interest form. Please be sure to indicate your area of interest. Contact the registrar to learn more about what participation on a committee involves and what positions are available.
2009 Annual General Meeting
The college’s 9th AGM is scheduled for 11 a.m. on Saturday, October 24, 2009, at Plaza 500 Hotel, 500 West 12th Avenue, Vancouver, BC. The agenda includes a report from the chair, statutory committee reports and the auditor’s report. As in previous years, the AGM day will be held in conjunction with the British Columbia Society of Occupational Therapists (BCSOT). Download the AGM package.
AGM Education Session: New Directions in Assessing Safe, Ethical and Effective Practice
The Continuing Competence Committee is opening this year’s AGM with the professional development session New Directions in Assessing Safe, Ethical and Effective Practice.
For the past year the committee has worked closely with educational expert Dr. Susan Glover Takahashi to develop guiding principles and review current research and tools used by other regulators. The result, approved by the Board on September 10, was to use a case-based assessment approach for the second component of the Continuing Competence Program.
If you attend this AGM session you will have an opportunity to review some sample cases, hear about ways in which you can become involved in developing this assessment component of the program, timelines for implementation, and the consultation process with registrants. Dr. Glover Takahashi will present the latest research in competence assessment and facilitate the session. Members of the committee will highlight the process behind the development of the program and next steps.
It is the committee’s hope that you will leave the session confident in the college’s ability to develop an assessment that is based on best practices, and is responsible, fair, and assesses everyday practice in a variety of occupational therapy contexts.
There is no charge to attend the annual meeting activities. However, to assist us with organizing the meeting space requirements and coordinating the events, please complete the registration form and return it by October 16, 2009.
Important Information on H1N1 (Swine) Influenza
Occupational therapists are concerned regarding the news of the H1N1 Influenza, also referred to as the Swine Flu, and have important questions regarding ways in which to prepare and manage their practice.
HealthLink BC has updates on H1N1 which are available in many languages. This site also provides easy access to non-emergency health information and services on their website or people may call 8-1-1. As it becomes available, COTBC will continue to post or link to information from the BC Ministry of Health Services.
COTBC also encourages occupational therapists to consult their employer for their agency’s current policies and guidelines on responding to pandemic influenza.
Fee Increase Effective 2010
Next year’s annual renewal fee will increase from $350 to $425. The initial application fees will also increase from $225 to $300. These are the first fee increases since the college was established in 2000. The fee increase becomes effective next year in the 2010-2011 year (annual fees are due July 1, 2010) which provides time for registrants to plan for the additional expense.
Although the COTBC Board had originally approved an increase for the 2009 renewal, they delayed it to July 2010. Instead, the board approved a deficit budget (using funds from our reserves for operating expenses) for the current 2009-2010 to maintain critical services. A further delay is not possible nor deemed responsible by the board. Download complete Information Update.
New Advisory Statement: Providing Access to and Releasing Occupational Therapy Information
This advisory statement focuses specifically on the responsibilities relating to access, disclosure and release of information gathered as part of the occupational therapy service provision.
OEQ Position Statement on the Use of Weighted Covers
The Ordre des ergothérapeutes du Québec (OEQ) published a position statement to assist occupational therapists with:
1. Guidelines to follow for the safe use of weighted covers as part of an occupational therapy plan; and
2. Instructions linked to the participation of an occupational therapist in training intended to result in the independent us of the weighted cover by other caregivers and professionals.
These guidelines were published in response to the recommendations made by Quebec Coroner Catherine Rudel-Tessier after she completed her investigation into the tragic death of a nine-year-old child who died of suffocation under a weighted cover in which he had been rolled by his teacher, at the special school he attended. This position statement was translated from French. goe Use of Weighted Cover
Annual General Meeting
The date for the College’s ninth annual general meeting is scheduled for Saturday, October 24, 2009. The AGM will again be held in conjunction with the meeting of the British Columbia Society of Occupational Therapists (BCSOT). As the schedule of activities is confirmed, this information will be updated.
Current COTBC Board
The COTBC board members for the 2009 year include:
- Jeff Boniface (re-elected)
- Caroline Ehmann
- Heather Gillespie (re-elected)
- Jennifer Glasgow
- Jillian Rihela
- Tanya Boudier (newly elected)
Public Board Members who are appointed include:
- Sherry Baker
- Carol Williams
- Vila Nova Carvalho
Election 2009
Nomination forms for the upcoming 2009 COTBC Board election will be mailed to registrants this summer. Please consider nominating or being nominated for an elected board member position. It is a chance to expand your own knowledge and skills and contribute to the development of the College and its programs, to ensure safe, ethical and competent practice.
If you are a registrant interested in applying for a committee position, please download and complete the committee expression of interest form. Please be sure to indicate your area of interest. Contact the registrar to learn more about what participation on a committee involves and what positions are available.
Two Important Changes to Registrant Renewal
1. ONLINE Renewal Option: Beginning June 1, 2008 you can renew your COTBC registration online. Whether you renew online or return your renewal by mail, please note that you are also required to mail in verification of professional liability insurance to the college.
2. CRIMINAL RECORD RE-CHECK: Changes to the Criminal Records Review Act (the Act) requires the college to re-submit criminal record checks for all registrants with Criminal Record Check clearance letters older than five years.
Watch for more information on the flyer included with your registration renewal package and on the college website.
Please ensure that your annual registration is completed and returned to the college by June 30, 2008. This will avoid penalty fees and the risk of cancellation of your registration.
Spring 2008 Instep Newsletter
Download the latest newsletter which includes information regarding continuing competence, a quiz to test your consent knowledge, updates on legislation changes that affect college requirements and more.
Obtaining Consent to Occupational Therapy Services
This latest publication includes guidelines on how to ensure you have obtained valid consent to any services you may provide to clients. It also includes a checklist to quickly assess if your consent practices are current with present legislation.
Public Information Sheet: Sexual Misconduct – What You Should Know
This public information sheet was designed to inform employers and the general public of what they should do if they suspect sexual misconduct by an occupational therapist.
