National Occupational Therapy Certification Examination Postponed

The National Occupational Therapy Certification Examination (NOTCE) scheduled for July 4, 2020 has been postponed to September 12, 2020.

The Canadian Association of Occupational Therapists (CAOT) is continuously monitoring health authority recommendations and closures and may need to cancel or postpone the exam. If either happens, CAOT will inform all exam registrants of any exam change by at least six weeks before exam, or sooner when a decision is made.

For more information visit CAOT’s website.

BC’s Restart Plan: Phase 2 Guidance in Development

Published on May 12, 2020

On May 6, 2020, Premier John Horgan outlined BC’s Restart Plan which outlines four phases to rebuilding a resilient economy and keeping the public safe during the continuing COVID-19 pandemic.

COTBC appreciates that registrants are very keen to return to work and care for their clients as soon as possible. However, the safety of patients, clients and health care professionals remains paramount.

Currently, we are in the process of finalizing consistent guidelines for community-based health providers – with collaborative input from the Provincial Health Office, other regulatory health profession colleges, and key stakeholders – to ensure that health care providers can operate safely under Phase 2 of BC’s Restart Plan.

Phase 2 of BC’s Restart Plan is scheduled to begin in mid-May and includes the restoration of health-related services under enhanced protocols. Until these protocols are released, COTBC recommends that registrants continue to comply with the current orders and direction of the Provincial Health Officer and the College.

COTBC is committed to providing timely updates as information becomes available. We are cautiously optimistic that the protocols will be available before Phase 2 begins.

Thank you for your understanding and patience.

What BC’s Restart Plan Means for Occupational Therapists

On Wednesday, May 6, 2020 the Premier announced BC’s Restart Plan to establish the ‘new normal’. The government’s reopening blueprint has four phases. It’s important to note we are still in Phase One.

Community occupational therapy services are included in Phase Two, which is expected to begin following the May Long Weekend, and no earlier than May 19, 2020. The plan reinforces caution and a slow return to the activities in each phase. [Listen to the Premier’s announcement.]

For OTs in community private practice, we know you have questions including:

  • What does the return to the provision of in-person community occupational therapy services look like?
  • How do OTs prepare themselves and their practice environment to ensure services are delivered safely to the client; and colleagues and staff are protected as well?

In the coming weeks you can expect to receive information from the College to support your return to practice. We are in the process of developing guidelines that outline expectations for occupational therapists when the gradual return to practice is permitted as part of Phase 2.

Developing these guidelines involves working closely with our counterpart BC health regulators. We also receive input from the Provincial Health Officer and Ministry of Health on environmental considerations, requirements for infection prevention and control, and personal protective equipment (PPE).

Our priority is to finalize the guidelines to ensure that the public is protected, and registrants are able to return to community practice safely. Please continue to check the COTBC website for updates and new information.

Thank you for your ongoing professionalism and cooperation during these challenging times.