Vulnerable Sector Check Requirement

Occupational Therapists, as health care professionals, have a special relationship with members of the public rooted in mutual trust, confidence and respect that is critical to effective practice.

To be licensed as an occupational therapist in Nova Scotia, all applicants must provide evidence as to whether:

they have been charged with, plead guilty to, or been convicted of any criminal offence in or outside Canada
they have been charged with, plead guilty to, or been convicted of a motor vehicle or traffic offence in or outside Canada, excluding minor offenses such as parking or speeding.

The Regulator uses the results of the Vulnerable Sector Check to verify that the applicants and registrants meet the high standard of character and conduct required of occupational therapists.

A conduct history does not automatically result in a denial of registration and licensure. However, in line with our mandate for public protection, applicants and registrants must satisfy the regulator that they have the character to practice occupational therapy safely and ethically.

Vulnerable Sector Check at Renewal

Current registrants will be required to provide a Vulnerable Sector Check at renewal every five years. NSOTR will notify registrants at least two months before a new Vulnerable Sector Check is required.

Requirements for Vulnerable Sector Checks:

The Regulator only accepts Vulnerable Sector Checks issued within the past three (3) months, and must be valid until the point that your application is deemed complete.

The Vulnerable Sector Check must be completed using all the names and aliases you currently use and have used in the past.
You are responsible for ensuring that the full legal name, previous names (if applicable) and date of birth on the Vulnerable Sector Check match the information provided to the Regulator during the application process. If the information does not match, the Vulnerable Sector Check will not be accepted by the Regulator.
You are responsible for obtaining the correct type of Check and paying all related fees (including submitting to and paying for fingerprints, if required).
For new registrants, the Vulnerable Sector Check must have been conducted no more than three months before the date of registration with the Regulator. If you do not register within three months of the date the results were issued by the police, you will be required to submit an updated Vulnerable Sector Check.

Obtaining a Vulnerable Sector Check

Depending on where you live, it may take 1 to 12 weeks, or longer, to obtain the results of a Vulnerable Sector Check. As registration and/or renewal will not be issued until results are received, we suggest applying for the Vulnerable Sector Check well in advance of your required registration date.

Within Canada, including Nova Scotia, outside of the Halifax Regional Police area: Vulnerable Sector Checks are available through local police. Please visit the website of your local police service for details regarding their specific process. You may need to provide an authorization letter supporting your request for a check. If so, please contact us. More information is available online through the RCMP.
Registrants serviced by Halifax Regional Police: If you live in the HRM, and are serviced by Halifax Regional Police, you may complete the Vulnerable Sector Check online. For more information or to request a vulnerable sector check in person, contact HRP.

International Criminal Record Check

If you have lived outside of Canada in the past two years, you must also provide an International Criminal Record Check, translated by a certified translator (if applicable). You must declare to the Regulator where outside of Canada you have lived in the previous two years. The Regulator will initiate an International Criminal Record Check on your behalf. The costs of the International Criminal Record Check vary by country and will be invoiced to you, the applicant. Please contact the Regulator for more information.
If you have lived in Canada and outside of Canada within the last two years, we will require both an International Criminal Record Check and a Canadian Vulnerable Sector Check.