This Board is responsible for governing the regulation of occupational therapy in Newfoundland and Labrador.
The composition of the Board shall reflect the cultural, ethnic, and regional diversity of the province.
The Board shall consist of:
• five directors elected from and by licensed occupational therapists in accordance with the by-laws, and from those elected members, the Board shall elect a chairperson
• the Minister shall appoint as directors two persons who are not occupational therapists to represent the public interest
Diversity in the backgrounds, skills, knowledge, and experience of appointed Board members can enhance the effectiveness of a Board by bringing a wider range of perspectives and knowledge. Examples may include:
• Knowledge of the Occupational Therapists Act
• Ability to think strategically and engage in future-oriented discussion and planning
• Financial expertise/literacy/technological competence
• Ability to serve the public in a manner that protects and serves the public interest
• Effective communication skills, including the ability to listen actively, speak persuasively and write clearly and concisely
• Familiarity with the principals of good governance, including accountability, transparency and ethical conduct
• Leadership skills that foster a diverse and respectful environment
• Backgrounds: health care, public relations, governance, human resources, legal expertise
• Technological competency
The following attributes are important considerations in selecting members:
• Expressed interest in health care
• Previous board experience
• Knowledge of the occupational therapy profession
• High ethical standards and integrity
• Appreciation of the responsibilities to the public
• Flexible, responsive and willing to consider others’ opinions
• Capable of a broad perspective on issues
• Ability to listen and work as a team member
• No direct or indirect conflict of interest
• Strong reasoning and conflict resolution skills
• Effective communication skills (written and oral)
• Leadership qualities
Board meetings generally last two hours and are held a minimum of four per year. An additional one to two hours in preparation for Board meetings is usually required to review the meeting package. In addition, members are required to attend the Board’s Annual General Meeting, any education sessions and strategic planning sessions. This generally requires two hours of meeting time, two to three times a year, with one hour of preparation work for each meeting.
Board members are expected to be a member of at least one of the committees of the Board, including the Complaints Authorization Committee. The committees of the Board generally meet monthly for a one-hour meeting; depending upon the nature of the work, committees may meet more often.
A person appointed holds office for a term of three years and is eligible to be re-appointed. Where a person appointed holds office for a period of nine consecutive years, the person is not eligible for appointment as a member of the Board until the expiration of 12 months from the end of the year in which they were last a member.
Where the term of office of a member of the Board expires and a successor has not been elected or appointed, the member may continue to hold office until a successor is elected or appointed.
