In response to questions from occupational therapists across the province related to membership renewal with CAOT-BC, we have compiled a FAQ list:
Q: Why
is there a provincial chapter of CAOT in BC?
A:
When BCSOT decided that it was going to close its doors in the spring/summer
2011, there was much discussion between the provincial association (BCSOT) and
the national association (CAOT). Following consultation with the
provincial OT community there were clear themes that emerged: continued
provincial representation/voice for occupational therapy was required, could a
national and provincial model be considered and finally, cost needed to kept
affordable.
Q:
When did this shift to an integrated
national and provincial model occur?
A: In
the fall of 2011, the CAOT board members approved a plan presented by the
transition team that it would adopt an integrated national and provincial model,
and so CAOT-BC was born as the first provincial chapter of CAOT.
Q: Why
did the CAOT board decide to move to this integrated model?
A: The
CAOT board recognized that provincial representation of occupational therapists
is essential to the profession. As such, it made a bold decision to adopt a
new, integrated model with the province of BC. This new model will maximize use
of existing resources, use existing CAOT infrastructure, remove operational
activities for the province and overall become a very efficient way to set up
provincial chapter that can focus on provincial efforts to represent, promote
and engage occupational therapists in British Columbia. As CAOT is
a national organization it does not specifically provide these provincial
efforts. The mission of CAOT-BC is to be the voice of occupational therapists
in British Columbia.
Q: Are
there other provincial chapters of CAOT?
A: Not
at this time. BC is the first provincial chapter of CAOT, however, this model
is under consideration by other provinces.
Q: Do other provinces have required membership of both the regulatory and professional association?
A: Of the 10 provinces, 5 have required dual membership (SK, QC, NB, NS, NL).
Q: What
has CAOT-BC been working on in the past year that is province specific?
A: CAOT-BC
is currently involved in local advocacy and representation efforts in the areas
of driver’s assessment/rehabilitation, dysphagia, pediatrics, private practice
as well as recent government lobbying efforts regarding rehabilitation services
in the public sector. None of these activities would have been taken on by CAOT
at the national level.
Q: What
does it cost to be a member of CAOT-BC and why does it cost more than other
provinces?
A: The
cost is $75. This cost has been carefully considered, and membership will cover
the costs of providing additional services that are uniquely provided to BC
members. There will be one, combined fee for membership which represents a 29%
increase in the CAOT fee and 25% of the cost of what therapists used to pay for
provincial representation. As this cost is to cover services that are specific
to BC, the fees are only charged to members in BC.
Q: Can
I choose to be a member of CAOT or CAOT-BC separately?
A: No.
Under this new model of integrated national and provincial representation, if
you are from British Columbia you will automatically be a member of both CAOT
and CAOT-BC when you join.
Q: Where
can I learn more about the history of CAOT-BC and what it is doing today?
A: There
is an article in the May 2012 OT Now titled “CAOT-BC: A new model of provincial
occupational therapy representation for British Columbia” that reviews the
history of CAOT-BC. Monthly e-News
updates are sent to each CAOT-BC member and finally, to stay current in between
monthly newsletters, we encourage you to read and subscribe to the CAOT-BC blog which is updated weekly.
Q: How
can I get involved in CAOT-BC activities?
A: There
are many ways that you can become involved in CAOT-BC. There are a variety of
groups that you can become a part of, for example, the Advisory Committee or
one of the many special interest groups that meet regularly by teleconference.
Please contact CAOT-BC to discuss your interest areas further.
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