Frequently Asked Questions

• I have lost my membership receipt.  How do I obtain a new copy?

  • You can contact the COTM Registration and Financial Coordinator to request a copy of your official COTM receipt.  There is a ten dollar charge for a replacement receipt.

  
  
  My name has recently changed; do I need to provide COTM with proof of my name change?

  • Once you are already registered with COTM, you do not need to provide COTM with proof of your change of name.  However you do need to communicate in writing to provide COTM with information about the change of name.  This ensures that the database is correctly updated.  You should provide COTM with this information within a month of the change.  Keep in mind that the name in the COTM database must be the name you use in your practice even if you have legally changed your name.

  
  
  How do I become involved as a volunteer with COTM?

  • The work of volunteers is invaluable to the operation of COTM.  Please visit the About COTM/ Get Involved Page which will provide you with a list of COTM committees.  COTM staff welcomes the opportunity to review current options with you.

  
  
  Can I phone the COTM office to make a complaint?

  • No, all complaints must be made in writing. You are welcome to call the COTM office to discuss the complaints process in more detail.

  
  
  How long does it take to become registered?

  • When all of the necessary documents have been provided to COTM, registration can happen quite quickly.  It may take several weeks, or months in some cases, for applicants to gather and submit all of the required documents. This is especially true for internationally educated occupational therapists.

  
  
  Is it acceptable to begin orientation to a new position before I am registered?

  • No. Even though you may not have patient contact during the orientation program, you will be representing yourself as an occupational therapist to other department and hospital staff. It is not permissable to represent yourself as an occupational therapist until you are fully registered.

  
  
  Is it possible to be registered before I am able to get a criminal record report?

  • COTM recognizes that it may take several months for you to obtain a criminal records report if fingerprint identification is required. Registration "with conditions" may be possible. You should discuss your situation and options with the registration co-ordinator.

  
  
  When is the Continuing Competence Program expected to begin?

  • The COTM CCP is expected to begin in 2012. Participation will be on a voluntary basis for the first year and extensive orientation and education is planned before participation will be required to renew your registration with COTM.