How does a Therapy Assistant fit into the Canadian Health System?

          A Therapy Assistant (TA) is an unregulated health care provider in the Canadian Health System. TA’s are not regulated under legislation or licensed by a professional, government, or regulatory authority. Unregulated health professionals have their role defined by their job description as per their employer rather than a defined scope of practice enforced by legislation. My employer utilizes a Therapy Assistant Continuing Competence Program to ensure accountability, safety, and role clarity. Unregulated providers of care do not have a mandatory membership in a regulatory body and can have variable education and training.

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          In Alberta, regulated health providers are governed by the Health Professions Act under provincial legislation. The regulatory colleges enforce the titles they may use, scope and standards of practice, and code of ethics. If an unregulated health provider is collaborating with a care team of regulated health professionals, the provider does not work “under the license” of the regulated health care provider. The only legal requirement for supervision of an unregulated health provider is the performing of a restricted activity, in accordance with the Government Organization Act of Alberta. A regulated professional must consent to provide supervision for any unregulated professional to perform a restricted activity. Other than this legal requirement, unregulated health professionals may provide care within the boundaries of their competency without direct supervision.

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          There are recognized Physical/Occupational Therapist Assistant programs affiliated and/or accredited by the Occupational Therapist Assistant and Physiotherapist Assistant Education Accreditation Program in collaboration with Physiotherapy Education Accreditation Canada and the Canadian Association of Occupational Therapists. These TA educational programs vary across the Canadian provinces.

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          In summary, I must be aware of my competencies in any assigned task and adhere to the policies, procedures, and guidelines set by my employer. Specific guidelines for supervision, assignment, monitoring, and evaluation of Therapy Assistants have been developed to ensure safety and accountability. I adhere to the Code of Conduct set by my employer to guide my professional practice with values, principles, and standards of conduct.