Under Section 10(1)(b) of the Health Professions Act of Alberta, the Alberta College of Occupational Therapists is authorized to perform practice visits on members.  

The purpose of the practice visit is to further assess the occupational therapist’s continuing competence and his/her continuing competence plan. The practice review typically includes a face-to-face meeting with the occupational therapist, a review of employer appraisals (if available), survey feedback from clients and colleagues, and a review of selected clients’ documentation.   

Process of the practice visit

1.       College Preparatory Activities

1.1.    identify potential reviewers and obtain agreement from occupational therapist

1.2.    establish time and place for practice visit with occupational therapist

1.3.    distribute letter of Notice to Health Records (to occupational therapist or Health Records)

1.3.1. notice requires Health Records to pull 20 health records for most recently discharged clients of occupational therapist

1.4.    distribute client surveys (12) and colleague surveys (8) (with self-addressed stamped envelops addressed to Alberta College of Occupational Therapists) to occupational therapist

1.5.    receive and compile survey results

2.       Occupational Therapist Preparatory Activities

2.1.    distribute surveys to colleagues and clients

2.2.    maintain a record of distribution of surveys

2.3.    present Notice to Health Records to Health Records, if applicable

2.4.    compile previous performance reviews

2.5.    ensure continuing competence plan is complete and ready for review

2.6.    arrange for suitable meeting room

3.       Practice Visit

3.1.    meeting between reviewers and occupational therapist to review continuing competence plan

3.2.    random selection and review of 5 of the 20 client records without occupational therapist present (under authority of Health Professions Act S51(3)(e))

3.3.    meeting with the occupational therapist to discuss client record review and results of surveys

3.4.    tour of work environment

4.       Post-Practice Visit Activities

4.1.    written report with recommendations to Competence Committee within two weeks

4.2.    Competence Committee decides on outcome of practice visit.  Options include:

4.2.1. The results were satisfactory and no action is needed

4.2.2. There is a need for alterations to practice or continuing competence plans (may or may not be reassessed within one year)

4.2.3. Specific requirements for remediation have been set (actions and outcomes are indicated and timeline for evaluation set)

4.2.4. Specific limitations or conditions are placed on the therapist until improvement is demonstrated.

4.2.5. Referral to the Complaints Director: HPA S51(1)

4.3.    letter to occupational therapist within 90 days of practice visit informing occupational therapist of conclusion of practice visit

4.4.    review of practice visit process with reviewers and representative of Competence Committee