Duty to Report
Nova Scotia occupational therapists have mandatory reporting requirements. These requirements come from legislation and regulations, NSOTR Registration and Licensure Policies, and NSOTR Practice Standards. The most important reporting requirements are listed below.
Please note: additional reporting requirements may apply depending on the specific situation. Occupational therapists are responsible to be aware of their reporting obligations under any applicable laws, regulations, or statutes in Nova Scotia and any other jurisdiction in which they practice.
Self-Reporting:
An occupational therapist must self-report to the Regulator if:
- they are charged with or convicted of a crime [Registration and Licensure Policy 9 – 14]
- they are subject to disciplinary action in another jurisdiction or by another regulator [Registration and Licensure Policy 9 – 15]
- there is something that is preventing them from delivering occupational therapy services safely and competently and/or they are incapable or unfit to practice
Sexual Misconduct:
Occupational Therapists must complete an immediate, mandatory report if they acquire information giving reasonable grounds to believe another regulated health professional has engaged in sexual misconduct. The report must be to the employer and that professional’s regulatory body. For more information, see the Standards for the Prevention of Sexual Misconduct.
Reporting Other Regulated Health Professionals:
If an occupational therapist has reasonable grounds to believe that any other regulated health professional (including another occupational therapist):
- has committed professional misconduct,
- is incapacitated,
- is incompetent or practicing in a manner that is a danger to the public, and/or
- has engaged in conduct unbecoming of the profession,
they are required by law to make a report to that professional’s regulatory body. [Regulated Health Professions Act Section 60(1)(g)(h)]
Other Reporting Obligations:
Additional mandatory reporting obligations are also found in the following Nova Scotia legislation. All occupational therapists must be familiar with these laws:
- Regulated Health Professions Act, 2023
- Protection of Persons in Care Act
- Personal Health Information Act, 2010
- Adult Protection Act
- Children and Family Services Act
- Involuntary Psychiatric Treatment Act