Frequently Asked Questions

Why do I require registration with the Board and OT Australia?

Registration with the Occupational Therapists’ Registration Board is mandatory if you wish to practise occupational therapy or use the title “occupational therapist”. 

Membership of any other professional body such as OT Australia is voluntary.

What is the period of registration?
The registration period is for 1 year (12 months)in line with the Australian financial year from 1 July to 30 June.

Do I need to record my CPD for registration purposes?
Whilst you do not have to provide details of your CPD, there is a question on the application form referring to CPD.  Maintaining a record of your participation at CPDs may facilitate you answering this question.

What do I do if I go interstate or overseas?
Depending on how long you will be out of Western Australia, you must do one of the following:
*    Advise the Board in writing (email is acceptable) to withdraw your name voluntarily from the Register prior to 30 June.
*    Maintain your registration but ensure the Board is advised in writing of an address where you will receive your renewal reminder.

How do I effect my renewal payment if overseas?
* If you have maintained a bank account in Australia, you will be able to make the payment using BPay.

* If you do not have funds in Australia, you will need to ensure a Bank Cheque in AUSTRALIAN DOLLARS for the full amount is forwarded to the Board.

* You could arrange for a friend or family member to make the payment on your behalf, however it is still a requirement that you sign the renewal form and return it to the Board.

What happens if my renewal payment does not reach the Board by 30 June?
Unless there are extenuating circumstances for a short delay in the payment of your renewal (the reasons for which must be explained IN WRITING to the Board), in accordance with the Act, your name will be removed from the Register, your payment returned, and you will need to present in person at the office of the Board to restore your name.

If you are in doubt about your payment being received please contact the Board on 9368 2655 BEFORE 30 June to seek clarification.

Please ensure you allow yourself time to make the payment in person (if necessary) before the deadline.

What are the penalties for practising whilst unregistered?
The Board has been successful in prosecuting practitioners for practising whilst unregistered, and the penalties that could be imposed are laid out in the following sections of the Act:

* Section 83  Persons who may practise occupational therapy or a specialty

(1)   A person must not practise occupational therapy unless that person is a registered person.

(2)   A person must not practise a specialty unless that person is a specialist registered to practise that specialty.

        Penalty applicable to subsections (1) and (2):

        (a) in the case of an individual —

        (i)       for a first offence, $5 000; and a daily penalty of $200;

(ii) for a second or subsequent offence, $10 000; and a daily penalty of $400;

        (b) in any other case —

        (i)       for a first offence, $10 000; and a daily penalty of $400;

(ii)  for a second or subsequent offence, $20 000; and a daily penalty of $800.

* Section 84  Persons who may be employed or engaged to practise occupational therapy or a specialty

(1)   A person must not employ or engage a person to practise occupational therapy unless the person employed or engaged is a registered person.

(2)   A person must not employ or engage a person to practise a specialty unless the person employed is a specialist registered to practise that specialty.

        Penalty applicable to subsections (1) and (2):

        (a)       in the case of an individual —

        (i)       for a first offence, $5 000; and a daily penalty of $200;

(ii)  for a second or subsequent offence, $10 000; and a daily penalty of $400;

        (b)       in any other case —

        (i) for a first offence, $10 000; and a daily penalty of $400;

(ii)  for a second or subsequent offence, $20 000;and a daily penalty of $800.

What if I cannot present in person?
If you are not in Western Australia then you are not practising in the state, and therefore will not be disadvantaged if you do not restore your name until you return to Western Australia.

What happens if I do not renew my registration?
If in the future you wish to practise in Western Australia, you will be required to present in person at the office of the Board, complete the necessary documentation, and pay the penalty payment, the current practising fees, and any practising fees unpaid since 1 January 2008.

How do I obtain registration in Western Australia if I do not hold qualifications prescribed in the Occupational Therapists Act 2005?
You will need to have your qualifications accredited by the Council of Occupational Therapists Registration Board (COTRB).  This process comprises a desktop audit of your qualifications and experience, and if this is acceptable you will be required to undertake a supervised practice audit. 

Once you have received confirmation from COTRB on successful completion of the first part of the accreditation process, you MUST apply to the Occupational Therapists’ Registration Board of Western Australia for conditional registration PRIOR to commencing your practice audit.

Upon successful completion of the practice audit, you will be awarded a Certificate of Practical Completion from COTRB.  A certified copy of this document should be forwarded to the Board in order that your conditional registration can be converted to full registration.

How do I obtain certification of documents?
If you are applying for registration from overseas, your documents need to be certified by an officer of the Australian Embassy or Consulate.

If you are applying for registration in Australia, your documents may be certified by a person authorised to witness a statutory declaration.

Who needs professional indemnity insurance (PII)?
Until further notice, any person registering for the first time or re-registering following voluntary removal from the Register is required to provide the Board with evidence of PII prior to commencing practice.

How do I obtain PII?
Depending on where you are working:

*  Please check with your employer to ascertain whether you are covered under its PII policy.  If this is the case, please provide the Board with a letter from the employer confirming this arrangement.
*  If you are not covered by your employer, you will need to obtain your own PII cover.  Please contact your union (HSU) or an insurance company regarding this, and forward a copy of the cover note to the Board.

What is the extent of cover required for PII?
You will need to have cover for a minimum of A$5 million.

  

For how long are police clearances valid?
The Occupational Therapists’ Registration Board of Western Australia requires an updated police clearance every four years.  This should be in the form of a:

* National Police Clearance available through a post office.

If you are overseas, you will need to furnish the Board with a clearance from the country in which you are resident.

Recency of practice
If you have not practised occupational therapy for a period of five years, you will be removed from the Register.  Should you wish to return to practising, you will be required to undertake a supervised practice audit.  Please view the Board’s policy on Recency of Practice.

As a member of the public, how can I make a complaint against an occupational therapist?
In the first instance, please visit the section on our website entitled “Complaints and Conciliation” to download the Board’s policies.

When preparing your complaint in writing to the Board, please be sure to include an accurate chronology and details of your attendance at the practitioner.