Amendments Proposed to Two Acts

Minister of Health Jim Smith introduced bills today to amend the Occupational Therapists Act and Physiotherapy Act.

The proposed amendments will significantly change both acts, allowing occupational therapists and physiotherapists to incorporate. The changes to these acts will also amend the disciplinary process to be consistent with the process in the Medical Act.

Amending the acts will allow clients to access occupational therapists and physiotherapists without a referral from a physician.

"We believe these changes will benefit the public,"says Dr. Smith. "The changes to these acts will reduce delays in getting treatment, as well as strengthening the disciplinary process within these health professions."

The Department of Health has been working with occupational therapists and physiotherapists for several years to bring these proposed amendments forward.