Private Practice
Are you considering working in private practice either on your own (self-employed) or as part of an existing clinic or practice? The following information may be of interest to you:
It is important to be aware of your occupational therapy provincial regulatory association’s requirements regarding private practice including health care consent, documentation, advertising, and incorporation. View a list of regulatory organizations. Some regulatory bodies offer private practice resources e.g,
http://www.coto.org/pdfs/Guide_IndependantPracticeChecklist.pdf
It is recommended that an occupational therapist consult with professional advisors such as a lawyer, accountant, bookkeeper and bank manager when starting and managing a small business.
CAOT offers many publications which may be of interest to an individual interested in private practice.
Business in practice: How to get there from here
CAOT Code of Ethics
Enabling Occupation II
Inter-Professional Primary Health Care
OT Now articles - search under key words “private practice" or "self employment"
Profile of Occupational Therapy Practice in Canada
To order a publication, phone 613 523-2268 or 800 434-CAOT, ext. 242, fax 613 523-2552, e-mail publications@caot.ca or visit our online store.
This Committee is composed of members representing different areas of private practice such as disability management, medical-legal consultations, children’s services, and long-term disability services.
Jane Simmons is the chair of OTPC.
OTPC is recruiting occupational therapists from PE, ON, MB, SK, NU who are CAOT members and who have an interest in promoting occupational therpy. Please contact Jane Simmons for more information about this group.
For information about funding for occupational therapy services through employers’ insurance, please see the Advocating for Extended Health Insurance Coverage Toolkit
Position Statements are written on issues with potential to influence the direction of occupational therapy practice in Canada as well as the health and well-being of residents of Canada. These statements may assist you in advocating for occupational therapy services, for example in the areas of mental health care, workplace health, home care, and driver rehabilitation. For a complete list of CAOT position statements, click here.
Tools for Living Well
Stable, Able and Strong
How does occupational therapy help?
Discounted CAA membership is available to "NEW" CAA applicants. Some conditions apply. To register you must contact our Membership Services Coordinator.
Eligibility to register in OT Finder, our public database of occupational therapists across Canada.
Access to our Network Exchange, with the option to join a CAOT network and connect with colleagues to exchange information regarding research, practice, student and international graduate issues.
Comprehensive and flexible professional liability packages as well as home and auto insurance and extended health care coverage at competitive rates.
Recognition for outstanding service and practice through CAOT’s awards program.
Option to join the World Federation of Occupational Therapists.
Pro bono legal services.
Eligibility for grants and scholarships from the Canadian Occupational Therapy Foundation.
Discounted registration rates for the CAOT annual conference.
Information about small business including GST, legal issues in starting a business, how to file income tax returns and how to prepare a business plan, can be found on the Government of Canada’s Business website. Explore popular business topics such as: financial planning, marketing, and home-based business. The website also contains interactive tools including an on-line Small Business Workshop.
Service Canada Training and Employment Initiatives
Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) Definition of a Self-employed Individual
Employee or Self-employed: This guide provides information about how to determine a worker’s employment status and employers’ responsibilities
If you have questions about private practice or self-employment, please e-mail: practice@caot.ca.