Occupational Therapists can Join OAP Provider List Effective September 2021

The Ontario Autism Program (OAP) Provider List is a directory for families  and referral sources of clinicians who meet required qualifications to provide Core Clinical Services through the OAP. Beginning in September 2021, speech-language pathologists and occupational therapists can apply to join the Ontario Autism Program provider list.

Participation in the Provider List gives visibility to your services to families and referral sources however, it is voluntary for professionals to join the provider list. Families can continue to work with clinical supervisors, speech-language pathologists and occupational therapists who choose not to join the list.

Eligibility Criteria for Occupational Therapists
The Ministry of Children, Community and Social Services has developed eligibility criteria for professionals providing Core Services to ensure that families are purchasing services from registered and experienced professionals.  These include:
 
  • registered and in good standing with the College of Occupational Therapists of Ontario (COTO)
  • at least one year of post-registration experience providing direct treatment/intervention to autistic children and youth, acquired within the last five years. Experience providing only indirect services (for example not seeing clients or families on a regular basis to support the use of specific strategies to help clients meet their goals) does not count towards the one-year experience requirement.
  • a recent vulnerable sector screening or police records background check, completed within the past year
  • as part of their College registration, providers must have professional liability insurance (purchased individually or through an employer)
  • adhere to a professional code of ethics (such as COTO code of ethics) and standards of the profession.
Implications for Occupational  Therapists
Occupational therapy is identified as a Core Service funded by the Ontario Autism Program as of March 1, 2021.  OTs working with children and youth with autism or interested to work with this population should be familiar with the new Ontario Autism Program and monitor the Program's webpages for health practitioners regularly for updates.

Registration for the OAP Provider list can give an OT's practice visibility.  Review the Eligibility Criteria and begin to prepare your application - e.g. vulnerable sector screenings, etc.

Questions?  Concerns?  Contact OSOT to inform us and to engage support to address your questions/issues.