Author: Amanda Crook

Earlier today, the Ministry of Health outlined its proposal for modernizing B.C.’s health regulatory framework.  This proposal came in response to recommendations made by Harry Cayton in his report, An Inquiry into the College of Dental Surgeons and the Health Professions Act, which was released in April 2019. The report, Modernizing the provincial health profession regulatory framework: A paper for consultation provides for proposed changes in four key themes:

1. Improving governance: such as eliminating board elections and replacing them with a transparent, competency-based appointment process,
2. Creating an independent oversight body to increase accountability and consistency of health regulatory colleges,
3. Simplifying the complaints and discipline process to provide a clear focus on patient safety and public protection, and
4. Reducing the number of regulatory colleges from twenty to five:
   1. Nurses and Midwives
   2. Physicians and Podiatric Surgeons
   3. Oral health professionals
   4. Pharmacists, and
   5. The remaining colleges under a single umbrella, “Health and Care Professions”

With the release of this report, the government is seeking input from the public, regulators and other stakeholders. The 45-day consultation period will run until January 10, and the COTBC will prepare our own response and recommendations for government.

We encourage registrants and stakeholders to review the report and share any comments with the COTBC Registrar &CEO, Kathy Corbett at kcorbett@cotbc.org

Link to government release

On November 4, 2019, Part 3 of the Health Care (Consent) and Care Facility (Admission) Act came into force (review the Order in Council) . While occupational therapists will be familiar with Part 2 of the Act, which describes obligations related to obtaining consent for health care services (e.g., occupational therapy services), Part 3 of the HCCCFAA details obligations related to the process of obtaining consent for admission to a care facility. While many features of consent to facility admission resemble those for consent to health care, it is important that occupational therapists recognize that these are separate and distinct processes with their own legal requirements. Please read the advisory statement to learn more.

The College of Occupational Therapists of BC is looking for a motivated person to join our team.

The College of Occupational Therapists of BC (COTBC) regulates the profession of occupational therapy to ensure that occupational therapists (OTs) in BC deliver safe, ethical, and competent occupational therapy services. COTBC is responsible for delivering a Quality Assurance Program that supports and monitors continued competence of OTs practicing in BC.

COTBC is currently recruiting for a Manager, Quality Assurance Program (QAP). With a passion for public safety, the Manager, QAP is responsible for overseeing the operation, ongoing development and evaluation of the College’s Quality Assurance Program. The role involves advising and supporting the Quality Assurance Committee and panels or working groups associated with the program and liaising with external stakeholders with interest in quality assurance/continuing competence of regulated professionals. The Manager, Quality Assurance Program is also part of the practice advisor team responding to practice questions.

COTBC maintains a commitment to organizational excellence. We are trusted as an organization to act ethically, fairly and with integrity.

COTBC’s culture is one of collaboration, cooperation, learning and growth. We are dedicated to creating a positive innovative working environment and a healthy and productive workplace. ​ We offer a competitive salary, benefits including the Municipal Pension Plan, a professional development allowance, and encourage work-life balance.

Consider working at COTBC to help make a difference in health profession regulation.

This position is part-time at four days per week.

All qualified individuals should apply by emailing their resumé and cover letter to Janetta Ozard, Manager, Registration, Information Systems and Accounting at j.ozard@cotbc.org

Questions call 250 386 6822 or Toll free in BC 1 – 866 386 6822

NOW CLOSED

The College of Occupational Therapists of British Columbia is committed to ensuring people of all abilities have equal access to services and are treated with respect. If you require a disability-related accommodation to participate in our recruitment process, please make a note of this in your application and we will be happy to work with you to meet your needs.

For more information about the position
Manager, Quality Assurance Program – Job Description

For more about the College’s Quality Assurance Program
https://cotbc.org/quality-practice/quality-assurance-program/

In addition to the financial statements, have a look at our year’s accomplishments and the profile of occupational therapy in B.C. Available here…