Newfoundland & Labrador Occupational Therapy Board

Currently Registered in Another Canadian Jurisdiction

The Labour Mobilty Support Agreement (LMSA) was developed by Canadian Occupational Therapy Regulatory Organizations (ACOTRO) to promote the mobility of occupational therapists within Canada. If you currently hold occupational therapy registration in another Canadian jurisdiction, you may apply under the LMSA. If you are not currently registered to practice in another Canadian jurisdiction, you may apply directly to the Board.

Steps in the Registration Process

1. Complete Labour and Mobility Support Agreement Confirmation Form

Ask your current regulatory organization to complete the Labour Mobilty Support Agreement Confirmation Form Fill in the top Authorization for Release of Information portion of the LMSA Form and send it to the regulatory organization.  Your current regulatory organization will sent a copy of your transcript or ACOTRO SEAS Disposition Report, confirmation of completion of the National Occupational Therapy Certification Examination (NOTCE), and a copy of any formal language tests that have been collected.  Contact the "sending" regulatory organization to find out if there is a fee for completion of the LMSA Confirmation Form. The Board's fee for this request would be $40.00

2. Application for Registration

Complete an online application form and submit supporting documentation (see below).  The application form is a legal document. You must answer all sections completely and accurately.  Please read this page before completing an application form.  Unless indicated below, all supporting documentation may be uploaded electronically.

Evidence Required:
  • A completed online application form. Incomplete application forms will not be processed.

3. Compile Required Documentation

Applicants for registration must be able to demonstrate that they meet the following registration requirements:

    1. Proof of Identity

The name you provide on your application from will be the name that is entered on the Board’s register, and must be the same name by which your clients and colleagues will know you. Your registration card, certificate, and tax receipt and all correspondence from the Board will all be issued in this name.

Evidence Required:
      • Photo identification: copy of your passport, or government issued ID.
      • Name Changes: If your name has changed, you must list all your previous names so your application can be processed properly.  If any of the documents in your application were issued under a previous name, you must include an official document (such as a marriage license) that verifies your name change.
    1. Eligibility to Work in Canada

In order to be employed as an occupational therapist in Newfoundland and Labrador, you must have legal authorization to work in Canada.  Only Canadian citizens, permanent residents of Canada and individuals with Canadian work permits have the right to work in Canada.

Evidence Required:
      • Official documentation acceptable includes copy of Canadian birth certificate, Canadian passport, proof of landed immigrant resident status or copy of a valid work permit. Documentation may be uploaded with your application as a PDF.
    1. English Language Fluency

In Newfoundland and Labrador, health care is primarily delivered in English. It is critical that you be able to communicate with clients and other health care providers in English. You must be able to demonstrate ability to read, write, listen to and speak English proficiently.  You must provide proof of your English language proficiency.

Evidence Required:
    1. Demonstration of Professional Liability Insurance

Every occupational therapist practicing in NL must have professional liability insurance coverage to a minimum of $5,000,000.00 with a legal expenses endorsement for investigation of complaints by a regulatory body prior to engaging in the practice of occupational therapy.

Professional liability insurance for OTs can be purchased through CAOT if you are a member of CAOT.  See the CAOT website for more information.  You may also purchase Professional liability insurance directly through an insurer such as AON Healthcare Advantage.

Evidence Required:
      • An original insurance certificate if you have purchased professional liability insurance.
      • Documentation may be uploaded with your application as a PDF.
    1. Demonstration of Good Conduct and Regulatory History

The Board has an obligation to protect the public and needs to be satisfied that you do not pose a danger to clients. You are required to declare any of the following:

      • Any disciplinary finding as an occupational therapist or in another profession in NL or anther jurisdiction.
      • Conviction of a criminal, drug, or traffic offence, excluding minor traffic offences such as parking or speeding.
      • Any finding of liability in a civil proceeding.
      • If you are currently under criminal investigation or have a pending criminal or civil court date.
Evidence Required:
      • A self-declaration made on your application form. If you answer yes to any of the declarations, the Board will ask you to send more information, such as a transcript of the criminal record. The Board will use this information to decide if you are eligible for registration and, if applicable, to determine if conditions should be imposed on your registration.
      • A Regulatory History Report from each OT regulatory organization you have been registered or licensed with in the past 10 years. Complete the top part of the Regulatory History Form, send it to each of your previous regulatory or licensing organizations, and ask them to complete the form and forward it to the Board. If there is an area of concern identified by one of your previous regulators, you will be contacted by the Board. You will be asked to provide more information regarding the nature and timing of the offense or concern and how the issue has been managed or resolved. Your eligibility for registration will depend on the nature, timing and severity of the issue.
    1. Currency Hours

It is important that you practise occupational therapy in order to maintain your skills, and keep up-to-date with recent change in practice. Applicants require 600 hours in the past 3 years. If you have not met this requirement, you will need to complete a re-entry program.

Evidence Required:
      • A self-declaration made on your application form which includes details of occupational therapy practice hours completed in the 5 years immediately preceding the application.
      • A letter or record of employment from each of your employers in the past 5 years, stating that you were employed as an OT, your period of employment, and the hours you worked each year may be requested by the Registrar.
    1. Payment of Fees

The annual registration fee is $410.00. Temporary License fee is $137.00. Payment may be made by cheque, credit card or money order, payable to the NLOTB, in Canadian funds. 

4. Membership with the Newfoundland and Labrador Occupational Therapy Board

The Occupational Therapists Regulations Section 5(1)(e) requires membership with the Newfoundland and Labrador Association of Occupational Therapists. NLOTB collects membership fees on behalf of NLAOT.

Evidence Required:
  • Payment of NLAOT membership fee.

5. Membership with Canadian Association of Occupational Therapists

The Occupational Therapists Regulations Section 5(1)(e) requires membership with the Canadian Association of Occupational Therapists.

Evidence Required:
  • A copy of your membership card or membership verification email from CAOT is required.

6. Successfully complete the National Occupational Therapy Certification Examination (NOTCE)

The National Occupational Therapy Certification Examination (NOTCE) is a mandatory requirement of registration with the Board. The examination ensures that all individuals entering the profession of occupational therapy have met a minimum standard in the written application of academic knowledge and professional behavior. This exam is administered by the Canadian Association of Occupational Therapists (CAOT). You must apply to CAOT to write the NOTCE.  Applicants requiring accommodations must submit a request in writing to CAOT; please see CAOT's Accommodation Policy for details.

There are resources to help you prepare to write the exam: www.caot.ca .

Applicants are eligible to practice under supervision, while waiting to successfully complete the NOTCE, for a maximum period of one year.  Applicants must provide evidence that they are scheduled to write the next sitting of the NOTCE. 

Evidence Required:
  • A copy of your exam result or certificate is required as evidence that you have successfully completed the exam.  Documentation may be uploaded with your application as a PDF.

Remember

You cannot begin working as an Occupational Therapist in Newfoundsland & Labrador until you have received notice from the Board that your application has been approved.

Completed Applications may require 10 business days to be processed.

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