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Ontario proposes new Integrated Accessibility Regulation
Tuesday, September 07, 2010

The Government of Ontario is proposing a new Integrated Accessibility Regulation under the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act, 2005.

From September 2, 2010 to October 16, 2010, a summary of the Integrated Accessibility Regulation will be available for public review on the government's Regulatory Registry.

Click here to access the draft regulation and to provide input into the regulation consultation. All comments on the proposed regulation must be directed through the Regulatory Registry.  The deadline for submissions is October 16, 2010.

This appears to be a response to the public feedback acquired through the consultation processes on the standards for accessibility over the past couple of years.  The proposed regulation will streamline, align and phase-in accessibility requirements. This will allow for progress on accessibility and reduce regulatory burden for obligated organizations.

OSOT encourages members to review the proposed regulation and to make a submission to the public consultation.  We believe that an OT perspective is informed and can lend insight into real challenges and opportunities to promote integrated accessibility standards.  Please copy OSOT on your comments and send to osot@osot.on.ca.

OSOT will respond to the draft regulation.  The Society has previously responded to the draft accessibility standards for employment and for the built environment.

 

 

Changes to Statutory Accident Benefits Schedule effective Sept. 1, 2010
Wednesday, September 01, 2010

Legislative and regulation changes affecting the Insurance Act and the Statutory Accident Benefits Schedule become effective September 1, 2010.  These changes introduce substantive changes to the automobile insurance product in Ontario and access to benefits for persons injured in motor vehicle accidents.

 

To the attention of all occupational therapists…

 

All occupational therapists who carry auto insurance should be aware of changes to the auto insurance product effective September 1, 2010.  Consumer information to aid understanding of these changes is available at the Financial Services Commission of Ontario’s consumer web portal. 

 

To the attention of OTs working in Ontario`s Auto Insurance Sector…

 

Occupational therapists who work in the auto insurance sector should become familiar with the new Ontario Regulation 34/10, Statutory Accident Benefits Schedule (SABS) which takes effect September 1, 2010.  Click here to download a copy of the new regulation.

 

OSOT has provided ongoing advocacy, representation and support to issues of concern to occupational therapists and their clients throughout the Five Year Review of the SABS and will continue to monitor the impact of regulatory changes as the system moves through implementation.

 

Resources for members working in the sector are located in the Auto Insurance Sector page of Practice Resources in the Members Only section of the website.  These include:

• Overview of changes to the Statutory Accident Benefits Schedule and implications for OTs
• Auto Reform – What you Need to Know Webcast
• Health Claims for Auto Insurance – HCAI
• Common OT codes for use in auto insurance sector
• Commonly used Ontario Claims Forms
• OSOT’s practice resource Assessment of Attendant Care Needs, Form 1: A resource for reflective practice
• OSOT’s practice resource OSOT Guidelines for Occupational Therapy Assessment Timeframes for use in Ontario`s Auto Insurance Sector
• OT fees in Ontario`s Auto Insurance Sector 

Log in to the Members Only Section 

Select Practice Resources from Members Only Menu

Select Auto Insurance Sector

 

OT Month 2010 - Start Planning for October NOW!
Monday, August 30, 2010

 

OCTOBER IS NATIONAL OCCUPATIONAL THERAPY MONTH

PLAN TO CELEBRATE & PROMOTE YOUR PROFESSION!

Let OSOT assist you!  Scroll down the page for our 2010 Strategy and key resources for your use!
 

OSOT OCCUPATIONAL THERAPY MONTH STRATEGY 2010    

The Ontario Society of Occupational Therapists is committed to support members to celebrate and promote occupational therapy in their workplaces, communities and as a profession. 

In 2010, the Society shall engage OT month strategies framed around the following goals:

• To facilitate member celebration and promotion of OT during the month of October in their workplaces and communities.
• Launch the Society`s strategic commitment to a marketing initiative focused on increasing public awareness of occupational therapy.
• Develop visual resources that promote occupational therapy to enhance promotional activities of the Society and members.
• To support the Canadian Association of Occupational Therapists` initiative to promote You, me and my OT, a children’s book that introduces young children to occupational therapy.

I.    To facilitate member celebration and promotion of OT during the month of October in their workplaces and communities, OSOT shall:

a)     Review, update & develop OSOT web resources within Promoting OT section of Members`Only section of the website that promote and facilitate member celebration/promotion of the profession during the month of October

      

·         Update Promotional Products Order Form

·         Update Promoting OT Activities Checklist

·           Create resource of annual advocacy weeks/months

b)     Update and circulate 4 – 6 OT Month membership emails to promote membership engagement in promotional activities during OT Month

·         Commence email circulation after Labour Day to promote planning and activity

·         Post email content to website in advance of circulation so that circulation is a reminder and advance planning is facilitated

c)     Contact members who identified in OSOT Volunteer Surveys that they would be interested to promote OT at the local level or to coordinate local OT Month activities to engage in 2010 activities.

·         Circulate approved OT Month 2010 Strategy to all interested volunteers in June requesting assistance at the local level

·         Focus efforts on fostering a regional celebration event.

 

II.      To launch the Society`s strategic commitment to a marketing initiative focused on increasing public awareness of occupational therapy, OSOT will;

a)     Communicate OSOT’s strategic goals and strategy to membership at the September 24, 2010 Annual General Meeting

b)     Host a competitive bidding process to engage a marketing firm by October 2010 to support development of OSOT’s strategic marketing strategy

c)       Recruit a volunteer Professional Promotion Team to provide advisory leadership to the ongoing marketing strategy

d)       Develop a communications strategy to engage and keep members informed about strategy developments

III.        To develop visual resources that promote occupational therapy to     enhance promotional activities of the Society and members, OSOT will;

a)     Launch a membership photo contest with a goal to introduce photographs/video clips and contest winners during OT Month 2010

IV.    To support the Canadian Association of Occupational Therapists` initiative to promote You, me and my OT, a children’s book that introduces young children to occupational therapy, OSOT will;

a)     Purchase a quantity of Paulette Bourgeois’ book, You, me and My OT from CAOT to make available to OSOT members for purchase at cost in order to promote donation to community public schools across the province.

b)     Initiate a promotional strategy to engage members in the distribution of these books to promote access for school aged children

Approved June 12, 2010

 

PLAN NOW TO TAKE PART IN OT MONTH 2010!

 

Download your OSOT OT Month Checklist -  a list of easy things to accomplish that ensure you’re contributing to OT Month festivities and goals.  Make a commitment to be able to check off at least 60% of the suggestions!  

 

Order OSOT OT Promotional Products to support your OT Month activities.  See OSOT’s Promotional Products Order Form and submit your orders early to ensure delivery for your October events!   

 

Watch for your OSOT OT Month emails!  The Society will bring OT Month Planning ideas and resources right to your email box starting in September.

 

Volunteer to Coordinate an OT Month Event in your Region.  You’ll note in the strategy that OSOT aims to promote not only the profession but to profile OTs in key health policy and pratice areas.  Help us raise our profession’s profile.  Contact cbrenchley@osot.on.ca.   We’ll put you in touch with others in your area who may share your enthusiasm!!  And....OSOT can offer some limited financial support to regional events!  Here are a few suggestions to get your ideas and invitations flowing:

• a social event for OTs to celebrate the profession - a breakfast, lunch, the famous OT potluck!
• an educational forum or speaker for area OTs - something general enough to be of interest to all OTs.  Some cost effective options might be:
• inviting the LHIN CEO or Director of Planning to speak about health planning initiatives in your region
• approaching a local University OT Program to host a session on getting the most out of supervising students
• a speaker from a local advocacy organization - seniors, disability groups, mental health, etc.
• host a panel of OTs to speak about their vision of OT for the future
• engage in a "regional visioning" foucs - perhaps an Open Space Technology type format) that enables OTs to talk about what's important to them now and into the future...and gives your region a message to bring to OSOT
• invite the local CCAC to come to speak with OTs about transitions across the health care system - discharge from hospital to home, community based services, etc.
• invite an OSOT staff member or member of the Board of Directors to speak about OSOT or current issues the Society is addressing
• an open house within your community or a local facility to celebrate and promote the profession.  This can be an ideal opportunity to invite key stakeholders, - LHIN officials, MPPs, the local Mayor or Council members, your administration, other health professionals
• send us your ideas and we'll add them to the list!

Please let us know if you're planning an event - let us know how we can help (promotion/invitations, display materials, etc.)  Contact osot@osot.on.ca.

 

Visit OSOT Online's Members' Only Section - Promoting OT for ideas, resources, free promotional downloads, photos, links and more!  Log into Members' Only now!

 

 

OSOT Photo Contest 2010 - Celebrating & Enabling Occupation
Monday, August 30, 2010

“Celebrating and Enabling Occupation”

OSOT Photo Contest

 

Entry Deadline:  September 15, 2010

 

Promoting occupational therapy and the important work that occupational therapists do to promote the health and well-being of Ontarians is a key strategic priority of the Ontario Society of Occupational Therapists.

 

Visual images that bring to life the challenges and accomplishments of an occupational therapist’s work and highlight how the practice of occupational therapy can enrich our society are sought.  Who better to capture the face and image of a client or individual engaged in meaningful occupation than an OT?!  Who better to identify and frame a photograph that effectively conveys a way in which occupational therapists enable occupation than an OT?!

 

We need you! 

Amateur and experienced photographers alike – we need your OT eye to capture photos that deliver meaningful messages that can promote occupational therapy.

 

Categories:

 

1.         Celebrating Occupation!

Enter photographs that capture people engaged in doing!

Capture images that portray people who may be….

·         engaged in daily living skills

·         participating in social or recreational pursuits

·         at home, at work or in the community  (or even in hospital if the opportunity presents!)

·         children, adults or seniors

·         living with (or without) an illness, disability or impairment

·         experiencing barriers to participation in meaningful occupation

Select photographs that best convey the emotion tied to participation in meaningful activity, clearly expose your subject(s) and engage the viewer.

 

2.         Enabling Occupation – OTs in action

Enter photographs that reflect occupational therapy or the impact that has resulted from an OT’s partnership with a client, family member or community.

Capture images that portray…

·         OTs working with clients

·         occupational therapy treatment approaches

·         adaptations or modifications that may reflect OT interventions

Select photographs that best capture the essence of occupational therapy, clearly expose your subject(s) and draw engage the viewer.

 

Eligibility:

This photo contest is open to all OSOT Members, their colleagues and clients. Contestants are welcome to submit photos that they have taken themselves, or photos taken of them by others. Beginners, amateurs, aspiring and experienced photographers are all welcome to enter.

 

Instructions:

The deadline for photo submissions is at 11:59 p.m. EST, on September 15, 2010.

 

All submissions will be received by email. Please send all submissions to osot@osot.on.ca.

 

Photographs must be submitted in a JPEG format.  Files must not exceed 3 MB.

 

Steps for Submitting Photograph:

 

1. Naming the file

Use your First and Last Name as the name of the file attachment, followed by the category the photo is in: either “Celebrating Occupation” or “Enabling Occupation”

 

If you will be submitting more than one image per category, simply add 1, 2, etc. to the end of your Name.

 

Example: Jane Smith Enabling Occupation (for a single submission), or Jane Smith -3 Celebrating Occupation (if submitting multiple photos)

 

2. Number of Images per Email

Only submit one image per e-mail (if five images are submitted, then five separate e-mails must be sent).

 

3. Subject Line of the Email

Please use the same name as the file in the “Subject” line of the email —nothing else. (Ex. Jane Smith Enabling Occupation, Jane Smith-3 Celebrating Occupation, etc.)

 

4. Total Number of Images Submitted

 

Participants are welcome to submit as many pictures as they would like in all categories. However, please try to select those that are most meaningful and representative of the selected category.

  

 

5. Information to Include in the Body of the Email

In the body of the email, include:

• Your name, address, telephone number.
• A title for the image (Ex. Boy with Spinal Injury learning to use his new computer)
• A short description of what the picture represents, why you chose to submit it, and how you feel it represents and celebrates occupation or the profession of occupational therapy.

 

Consent forms for People in Photographs

For each photo image submitted consent must be obtained and a release form must be signed by all identifiable people in the photo for use of their image as per the release instructions.

For photos that include children under 18, your photo submission must also include a signed consent form from the child’s parent/ guardian.  Signed consent/release forms may be submitted by post, fax or email (scanned).

 

Please use the prescribed consent form - download here.

 

Copyright 

By submission to this Call for Entry, participants grant OSOT and its members the right to use their images for the purpose of marketing occupational therapy, exhibition purposes and display on websites relating to occupational therapy.  Participants grant the use of their images as stated without contact or compensation from the OSOT.

 

Judging 

The photos will be judged by a diverse panel of judges, including experienced Occupational Therapists and photographers.

 

Photos will be evaluated based on how well they represent the contest theme categories: Celebrating Occupation and Enabling Occupation; as well as the photograph’s composition, lighting and focus.

 

All photographs will be judged anonymously.

                           

Announcing the Winner

The winners of the Photo Contest will be announced at the Society’s Annual General Meeting, on September 24^th. 2010. Winning photographs as well as other entries will be displayed in a slideshow during the AGM luncheon.

 

Prizes

Two (2) first place prizes ($75.00 gift certificates from a photography specialty shop) will be awarded; one to the winning photograph in each of the two contest theme categories.  Two (2) honourable mention prizes will be awarded in each category for a total of four (4) gift certificates in the amount of $25.00.

 

Additional Questions

 

If you have any additional questions about the photo contest, contact the OSOT Office:

 

Telephone: 416-322-3011

Email: osot@osot.on.ca

OSOT Annual General Meeting
Monday, August 23, 2010

The Annual General Meeting of the Ontario Society of Occupational Therapists will be held:

FRIDAY SEPTEMBER 23, 2010
12:45 – 1:30 pm
The Conference Centre at the International Centre
6900 Airport Road, Mississauga, Ontario
Click here for Directions

The Annual General Meeting provides opportunity for members of the Society to;

             I.      to receive and consider the annual report and the financial statement of the corporation 

           II.      to appoint auditors 

        III.      to transact such other business as may properly come before the meeting or any adjournment thereof

View the AGM Agenda.

 

View the Draft Minutes of the 2009 AGM, October 31, 2009 

 

Student Members and Associate Members are welcomed to attend the AGM, but are not voting members so will not be issued a voting card.

 

Voting members of the Society who are unable to attend may forward their vote by Proxy.  A proxy vote may be designated to a colleague who will be attending.  Such a designate will be authorized by you to vote on your behalf on the motions put before the membership in the AGM Agenda.  You may either ask your proxy designate to vote in a specific manner on each issue or ask them to vote on your behalf as they see fit.

Download a Proxy Form

How do I find someone to whom I can designate my proxy vote?

You may designate any member who is attending.  We suggest that you enquire of friends/colleagues if they are attending the Conference and AGM – you may have a ready proxy!  (Or....they may convince you to come!)  If you do not know a colleague attending and wish to designate a proxy vote, you may feel comfortable to designate one of the following members who will be in attendance because they are on the Board of Directors or the Conference Planning Team.

• Iona MacRitchie
• Karen Rebeiro Gruhl
• Cathy Vandersluis

2010 Conference Planning Team

• Janet Campbell
• Myrene Lychek
• Diane McLaughlin
• Loreta Stanulis-Duz
• Natasha Stekel

SEE YOU AT THE AGM!

 

 

OSOT joins Ontario Episodic Disabilities Network
Sunday, August 15, 2010

Working to advance issues & needs of people living with episodic disabilities, OSOT joins Ontario Episodic Disabilities Network.

 

The Ontario Episodic Disabilities Network is an innovative forum of vested stakeholders working collaboratively to identify and advance issues and needs of Ontarians living with episodic disabilities from a cross disabilities perspective.

 

Episodic disabilities are lifelong conditions such as HIV, multiple sclerosis, lupus, arthritis, diabetes and some forms of mental illness.  People living with episodic disabilities may experience periods of good health that may be unpredictably interrupted by periods of illness or disability, which can lead to challenges related to community and employment participation, income security, social inclusion and access to care. 

 

The Ontario Society of Occupational Therapists is a member of the OEDN and represents an OT perspective to these important issues.  Occupational therapists interested to network and support OSOT's work with the Network are invited to contact OSOT. or our Network representative Rhysa Leyshon.

 

Click here to view Information Flyer on Ontario Episodic Disabilities Network

 

 

ONF Update on Acquired Brain Injury
Thursday, August 12, 2010

Occupational therapists working with clients with Acquired Brain Injury (ABI) will be interested to monitor the activities of the Ontario Neurotrauma Foundation which are detailed in their summer  update.

Click here to access July 2010 Update from ONF

Of particular interest to occupational therapists….

·         Study of patient flow across the treatment systems/sectors

·         Funding of a large scale project on intensification of inpatient rehabilitation

·         Creation of 3 communities of practice focused on;

o   Pediatric ABI Research to Practice

o   Substance Use and ABI

o   Community Participation

·         Completion of projects …

o   2 models of service delivery for ABI within CCACs

o   Systems analysis of ABI health and community services in Ontario

·         Review of best practices in Community-based programs that foster community participation in people with ABI

·         Upcoming RFP inviting projects that put into action some of the recommendations from the systems analysis of ABI health and community services in Ontario

 

Read more about these and other projects!

 

OSOT Participates in Provincial mTBI Strategy Development
Thursday, August 12, 2010

On April 30, 2010, OSOT representatives participated in a summit hosted by the Ontario Neurotrauma Foundation and partners , titled Summit on the Recognition, Diagnosis and Management of Mild Traumatic Brain Injury: Improving Outcomes.

 

The purpose of the Summit was to;

 

·         To develop a framework for a coordinated mTBI Strategy that builds on existing relationships with organizations, professional associations and policy makers that work in the area of TBI and establish new relationships with relevant organizations.

·         To increase awareness and education of mTBI among health professionals, other sectors and members of the public

·         To identify current issues/challenges for mTBI patients in the health care system in Ontario.

·         To identify priority areas for development and implementation of best practice guidelines to standardize service provider approaches for mTBI.

·         To establish Ontario as an international leader in addressing the treatment of complications associated with mTBI.

 

The Summit objectives included:

 

·         Consensus on the need for better outcomes for those with mTBI and the case for a provincial strategy for the recognition, diagnosis and management of mTBI

·         Consensus on the key issues and challenges in addressing the gaps between knowledge and practice and across the continuum of mTBI are, and priority gaps that should be addressed by a provincial strategy that cuts across sectors

·         Agreement on next steps including the establishment of working groups in relation to each of the key issues above

 

There was consensus on the need and urgency for the development of a provincial strategy for mild traumatic brain injury.

 

Five key development themes were identified;

·         Recognition and awareness

·         Diagnosis and early education of patient and family

·         Access to care and timely intervention

·         Management/treatment of persistent symptoms and reintegration to community

·         Psycho-social/ reintegration/return to activity (school, work, community)/managing risk of deterioration

 

Participants also agreed that research and evaluation will be included in each theme.

 

Five working groups have been struck to provide leadership and direction to the key themes identified above.  OSOT representatives sit on the working groups relating to Psycho-social/reintegration/return to activity (school, work, community)/managing risk of deterioration and management/treatment of persistent symptoms and reintegration to community.

 

Click here for the Summit proceedings.

 

For more information on how to assist OSOT to represent an OT perspective to the development of a provincial mTBI strategy contact Christie Brenchley.

 

HCAI Update
Thursday, August 12, 2010

Health Claims for Auto Insurance (HCAI) Update

 

 

Click here to view

July 23, 2010 HCAI Update

• Operational Highlights
• HCAI Rollout
• What happens if a Health Facility has not enrolled by their assigned
  HCAI Effective Date?
• Options for using HCAI
• Auto Reforms impacts on HCAI
• HCAI Education
  

For more information see www.hcaiinfo.ca

 

Background

 

Health Claims for Auto Insurance (HCAI) is an electronic billing system for Ontario`s auto insurance industry that is in development by the Insurance Bureau of Canada and under the supervision of the Financial Services Commission of Ontario.  When complete the system will require all health professionals working with auto insurance claimants to submit certain OCF Forms for approval and  invoices for payment electronically.

 

Initially introduced in winter of 2008, the system experienced significant technical problems and at the request of HCAI Processing, the Ontario Superintendent of Financial Services, Bob Christie, announced a temporary suspension of the Health Claims for Auto Insurance (HCAI) Guideline on March 12, 2008.

 

HCAI has been under redevelopment with a goal to reintroduce the system in 2010.

 

Regular updates on HCAI redevelopment, the pilot testing of the new system and the proposed re-introduction in 2010 are available at the HCAI website: www.hcaiinfo.ca

 

OSOT & CAOT honour 2010 Citation Award Recipients
Sunday, July 11, 2010

OSOT and Canadian Association of Occupational Therapists honour 2010 Ontario Provincial Citation Award Recipients.

 

Each year the Canadian Association of Occupational Therapists invites provincial OT organizations to nominate worthy recipients of provincial Citation Awards.  Citation Awards are bestowed to recognize the significant accomplishments of an agency, program and/or individual within each province/territory that has contributed to rehabilitation, community health, self-help groups, provincial, territorial or municipal government initiatives in health care or other related programs. Citation Award winners will have demonstrated support of occupational therapy philosophy and contributed to the health and well-being of Canadians.

 

This year in partnership with CAOT, OSOT will be presenting Citation Awards to Dr. Joshua Tepper, Assistant Deputy Minister of Health and Long-Term Care and the Canadian Mental Health Commission, Workforce Advisory Committee.

 

CAOT Citation Awards are presented to recipients typically during October, which is National Occupational Therapy Month.

 

Read more about our Citation Award Recipients!

 

Mental Health Commission of Canada, Workforce Advisory Committee

 

The Mental Health Commission of Canada’s Workforce Advisory Committee is nominated for the CAOT/OSOT Provincial Citation Award as an organization recognized for its promotion of education and employment as key determinants of health and well being for Canadians; and for championing the inclusion of employment as an integral component of a comprehensive mental health care system in Canada.  OSOT commends the Advisory Committee’s activities supporting workforce leaders to implement changes in the approach to, and management of  mental health issues in workplace environments with a view to overall betterment of the workforce and the workplace.  

Dr.  Joshua Tepper, Assistant Deputy Minister of Health and Long-Term Care, Health Human Resources Strategy Division, Ontario Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care

 

 

Inspiration for a New Decade - OSOT Conference - Sept 24 - 25, 2010
Friday, June 25, 2010

OSOT CONFERENCE 2010

The Conference Centre at the International Centre
Mississauga, Ontario

Friday, September 24 & Saturday September 25, 2010

 OSOT provides a workshop based format at its annual conference.  With approximately 300 attendees expected, we off 24 workshops, 21 poster presentations, a dynamic exhibit hall, social events and so much more! 

Our theme “INSPIRATION for a New Decade” celebrates the potential for our professional sharing, networking and collaborative learning to inspire both individual occupational therapists and the profession as a whole. 

What better way to enter the new decade than to be inspired by the contribution and potential of occupational therapy!

View Program & Registration Information

 

 

Click here for more information

International OT Graduates! Registration for 2010 OT Exam & Practice Preparation Program now open.
Tuesday, June 01, 2010

The Occupational Therapy Examination and Practice Preparation (OTepp) Program assists internationally educated occupational therapists (IEOTs) as they seek to transition into practice in Canada. The project is led by the School of Rehabilitation Science at McMaster University in partnership with the Canadian Association of Occupational Therapists (CAOT), and is funded in part by the Government of Canada's Foreign Credential Recognition Program and by the Government of Ontario.  The program will also be available in French.

Registration for the academic curriculum in readiness for the November 2010 national exam begins May 17^th, 2010 and will remain open until June 21^st, 2010.  Please visit www.otepp.ca to register or for more information.

OTs interested in learning more about practice in Ontario are invited to browse OSOT's Practising in Ontario webpages and to contact the Office for further information.

 

Ontario releases new LTC Homes Regulations for July 1, 2010
Thursday, April 15, 2010

Restorative Care approach enshrined in legislation and regulation

The Long-term Care Homes Act (LTCHA) was passed in June 2007 as the cornerstone to the government's strategy to improve and strengthen care for residents in Ontario's long-term care homes.  It will come into force on July 1, 2010.

Regulations that will bring the new legislation to implementation have been approved and were released on March 29, 2010, further to public consultation periods in 2009.  (OSOT participated in both consultations.)  For information about the LTCHA, 2007 and Ontario regulation 79/10 click here.

Highlights of interest to occupational therapists:

·         every long-term care home shall ensure an interdisciplinary restorative care program that  ensures that

(a) restorative care approaches are integrated into the care that is provided to all residents; and

(b) the restorative care approaches are co-ordinated to ensure that each resident is able to maintain or improve his or her functional and cognitive capacities in all aspects of daily living, to the extent of his or her abilities

·         every LTC Home shall have therapy services for residents including

o    on-site physiotherapy (individual or group basis)

o    occupational therapy and speech-language therapy

·         therapy services shall be provided by a regulated health professional or by a support worker working under the direction of a regulated provider of the profession

·         the designated lead of the Restorative Care program may be a regulated health professional (PT, OT, SLP or SW) or a post-secondary diploma or degree in therapeutic recreation, kinesiology, etc. ( in smaller homes this allows Restorative Care and Recreation and Social Programs to be under the same lead)

·         in addition core nursing and restorative care programs  each home shall deliver the following interdisciplinary  programs;

o    a falls prevention and management program

o    a skin and wound care program

o    a continence and bowel management program

o    a pain management program

·         restraint policies allow for use of PASDs (Personal Assistance Service Devices) to be unaltered.

OSOT will continue to monitor the planning for implementation of the LTCHA and its regulations.  We are disappointed that there are no specific directions regarding funding of OT services and are concerned that the current service delivery model, in which many homes are dependent on services from the CCAC, is inadequate and has not been shown to provide timely access to required OT services nor the consistency of a designated therapist who could develop relationship and participate as a team member in the LTC Home.

View OSOT’s Submissions to the Regulation Development Process

·         OSOT Response to LTCHA Regulations Part 1, June 5, 2009 

• OSOT Response to LTCHA Regulations Part 2, October 15, 2009 

Government announces formal approval of OT into Family Health Teams!
Tuesday, March 23, 2010

 

Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care conveys Approval of
OT in Family Health Teams

 

Ontario Occupational Therapists celebrate new opportunities to
contribute to the health and quality of life of Ontarians!

 

In a communication forwarded to all Family Health Teams in Ontario, the Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care has announced the expansion of the approved list of Interdisciplinary Health Providers (IHPS) in Family Health Teams to include occupational therapists.

 

View the MOHLTC’s March 23, 2010 communiqué.
English copy 
French copy  

 

 

This represents a significant and exciting policy decision to include occupational therapists in the province’s newest primary health care model and gives opportunity to provide access to occupational therapy services to over 2 million Ontarians who are rostered with Family Health Teams.

 

Family Health Teams (FHTs) interested in adding an occupational therapist to their staff may submit a request as part of the 2010/2011 budget application process for funding effective as early as April 1, 2010.  There is, however, no deadline or time restriction that limits application for funding to integrate OT services into a FHT.

 

The Ministry has forwarded information describing occupational therapy and providing insight into the types of roles and services that an occupational therapist might assume or provide.  FHTS  have been referred to the Society as a further resource for information about the role of OT in FHTs. 

 

A salary benchmark has been approved that falls short of OSOT’s recommendation of $70,200 - $78,000.  We understand the approved salary benchmark of $55,251 - $66,568 was established to be in keeping with current FHT and Community Health Centre salary ranges.  Further to OSOT’s advocacy and positioning of data to support a need to review salaries in the primary care sector to ensure that this sector can compete fairly with other publicly funded sectors, we have been assured that a compensation review is being talked about.  The Society will continue to promote the need for this review and assist in any way it can.

 

Supporting Members to learn about and position their services to Family Health Teams

 

The Society is committed to assist all members to become more familiar with Family Health Teams, their structures, foci and typical services.  We believe that all occupational therapists should understand well how Ontario’s primary care sector works and interacts and supports other health care sectors.  

 

Further, OSOT is committed to support members to identify and position their services to Family Health Teams and to help FHTs become familiar with valuable contributions occupational therapists can bring to their Team’s work to support the health of their rostered patients.

 

Watch for professional development resources to be offered this spring and at Conference 2010, September 24 – 25.

 

In the meantime, members are encouraged to be familiar with OSOT’s proposals for roles and services of occupational therapists working in FHTs.

 

See …..

 

OSOT’s Submission to the Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care,

Integrating Occupational Therapists into Ontario’s Family Health Teams, Recommendations from the Profession, January 2010 

 

Executive Summary  

 

 

Background to this Policy Announcement……

 

 

OSOT addresses implementation issues to engage OTs in Family Health Teams!

 

Further to the Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care's commitment to fund occupational therapy services in Family Health Teams, OSOT was requested to assist the Ministry to address four key questions relating to implementation of the policy and integration of OTs into Family Health Teams.  These included;

1. Identifying the ratio of patients served to Occupational Therapists.  How many OTs would be required to serve a particular FHT population in order to make funding of OT services in FHTs meaningful?
2. Further information about whether OTs would expect direct or indirect access to Family Health Team clients?
3. Further information on how OTs might be best integrated into FHTs?
4. Further information to assist the Ministry to establish on the salary funding benchmarks for an Occupational Therapist in a FHT?

View OSOT's submission to address these questions and position occupational therapists to assume meaningful, important roles in Ontario's growing Family Health Team Sector.  OSOT identified the following key inputs;

• a recommendation of a ratio of 1 occupational therapist for every 5000-7000 rostered patients (range allows for regional differences that may affect the populations' access to health services - e.g. northern and rural areas may need a lower ratio to accomodate geographic area served)
• a recommendation of several acceptable integration models which would be best selected by individual FHTs to ensure OT services best meet the needs of the Team and the patients it serves
• assertion that OTs work in a collaborative framework where access to service is determined by FHT policy and procedure as OTs are not bound to work under a physician referral
• a recommendation that FHT hiring practices and compensation models be structured to attract experienced OT clinicians with a minimum of 3 - 5 years experience.
• a recommendation of a salary range based on a 37.5 hour week compensated at a range of $70,200 - $78,000/ annum and complemented by a benefits program

OSOT anticipates a response from the Ministry in the near future which will communicate to Family Health Teams in the province their decisions about implementation guidelines for OTs.  OSOT is developing resources to assist both FHTs and occupational therapists to explore and engage this exciting new initiative!

 

 

For more information about Family Health Teams click here.

OTs approved for work in Family Health Teams
Monday, March 15, 2010

Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care Announces Support to OTs in Family Health Teams!

 

In October 2009, the Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care communicated its plans to move forward with planning to approve and fund Occupational Therapists as interdisciplinary health providers in Family Health Teams (FHTs).  This change in policy will affect both existing and new FHTs.   Members will recognize this to be a commitment of new funding for OT services in primary health care where, other than in a few Community Health Centres, occupational therapists have not been funded to provide services.  OSOT has long advocated for inclusion of OT within the primary care reform strategy. 

 

As far back as the late 1990's OSOT developed a position statement to educate physicians and the health system about the diverse services and impacts OTs could deliver within the context of primary health care.  Although successful in achieving recognition of OT as a potential service funded through FHTs when the Family Health Teams were first announced in 2005, no OT services were ever formally funded for inclusion on a FHT. 

OSOT members will be aware that the Society engaged a Government Relations consultant this past year.  One focus of our work together in advocating to government was to question why OT was not funded in FHTs and to promote the many contributions OTs could offer to these physician led teams as well as to nurse practitioner led clinics to enable greater efficiency and effectiveness in meeting their patients' needs.   This announcement and invitation to continue to work with the MOHLTC to help inform the Ministry's policy and benchmarking process for OTs in Family Health Teams is welcomed!

 

What are Family Health Teams?
The MOHLTC describes Family Health Teams (FHTs) as an approach to primary health care that brings together different health care providers to co-ordinate the highest possible quality of care for patients.  They are designed to provide a range of complementary professionals - doctors, nurses, nurse practitioners and other health care professionals- who work collaboratively, each utilizing their experience and skills so that comprehensive patient care is accessible, in a timely manner and close to people's home.  To date 150 Family Health Teams have been engaged. Typically, Teams have included physicians, nurses, nurse practitioners, dietitians, mental health workers and social workers.  Read more about Family Health Teams.

Where do Family Health Teams Exist? 
FHTs exist across the province.  Prior to December 2009 150 Teams had been engaged.  View a listing of current FHTs.   In June 2009 a call was released for proposals for 19 additional FHTs.  Announcement of newly funded Teams was made in December 2009 bringing the total number to 169.  See listing of 19 additional new FHTs.  The Ministry has advised that a final call for additional FHT proposals will be extended in spring 2010.  You may wish to explore the FHT listing for Teams in your community or LHIN.  For a listing with contact telephone numbers click here.  To learn more about individual FHTs, google their name as many have dedicated websites.

Implications for Occupational Therapists
This policy decision provides for a future for access to OT services through Family Health Teams.  OSOT has provided consultation into the development of funding models, salary benchmarks and models for integration of OT services into a FHT. 

 

See OSOT's Submission to the Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care...

 

Integrating Occupational Therapist into Ontario's Family Health Teams, January 2010

 

or the Executive Summary

 

Occupational therapists have many skills and services that can complement a primary care focus.  It is important, however, to ensure that our services are framed in the context of primary health care and ultimately to the needs of the particular demographic of any FHT caseload population.  Members may wish to read more about OT in Primary Health Care to gain insight to the types of roles that OTs might play.  One excellent resource is a publication of the Manitoba Society of Occupational Therapists, published in 2005, Occupational Therapists and Primary Health Care.

While OSOT continues its work to bring the policy decision to life, it's not too early for interested OTs to begin to consider the dynamic OT roles that could facilitate access, efficiency and efficacy of primary health care services such as;

• Support to seniors mental health issues
• Home safety assessments
• Home accessibility assessments
• Wheelchair and mobility assessments
• Consultation re and facilitation of return to work
• Driver safety screening
• Falls prevention programs
• Screening for children with learning problems
• Caregiver support and education
• Strategies for chronic disease management
• Support to mental health and addictions services of the team
• Support to primary care services for persons living with disabilities
• Chronic pain management programs
• And more!

If work in Family Health Team is of interest to you in the future, now is a good time to broaden your knowledge of FHTs in your area, what their current service profiles are, what kinds of populations they serve, etc.  In any inter professional care collaborative, the mix of professional perspectives complement each other and build on each other's strengths.  Understanding the needs of the Team's roster of clients is important to enable future positioning of services that meet the needs of the existing or developing team.  The Canadian Association of Occupational Therapists' new publication Inter-Professional Primary Health Care:  Assembling the Pieces, written by Mary Ann McColl (PhD,MTS) and Jackie Dickenson (BNSc), provides a comprehensive framework to assist allied health professionals who wish to develop a practice in a primary health care setting. The book offers a step-by-step approach to planning and proposing a practice in primary care for allied health professionals.  CAOT also offers worksheets based on the framework.  The book is available for sale from CAOT's online store.  See www.caot.ca.

We offer these preliminary strategies as options for members interested to explore the potentials of working with Family Health Teams further.  Additionally, you have our commitment to continue to provide information and resources to support your exploration of this opportunity.  We encourage members interested in linking about opportunities in Family Health Teams to contact the OSOT Office to identify an interest in participating in member information sharing and learning networks.