Which organization is responsible for protecting public interest in occupational therapy?

The organization responsible for protecting the public interest in occupational therapy is the College of Occupational Therapists of Ontario (COTO). COTO is a regulatory body that oversees the practice of occupational therapy within Ontario and ensures that practitioners adhere to professional standards and regulatory requirements necessary for safe and ethical practice. Through various mechanisms, such as setting registration standards, developing practice guidelines, and enforcing professional conduct, COTO serves to protect the public by ensuring that occupational therapists are competent and practicing safely.

Other organizations mentioned play different roles within the field of occupational therapy. The Canadian Association of Occupational Therapists (CAOT) primarily supports occupational therapists through advocacy, education, and professional development but is not a regulatory body. The Ontario Society of Occupational Therapists (OSOT) focuses on advocacy and support for its members rather than direct regulation of the profession. The Canadian Practice Process Framework (CPPF) is a conceptual framework designed to guide practitioners in the delivery of occupational therapy services but does not serve regulatory functions.