Nursing Organizations and Professional Liability Protection

Module Overview

  • Week 13: Focus on Nursing Organizations

Mohawk College Land Acknowledgement

  • Mohawk College derives its name from the Mohawk Nation, a member of the Six Nations of the Haudenosaunee Confederacy.

    • The Confederacy signifies a union based on peace and friendship.

    • Mohawk College recognizes:

    • The Six Nations of the Grand River

    • The Mississauga’s of the Credit First Nation

  • Acknowledgment of territorial governance:

    • Governed by:

    • Between the Lakes Treaty

    • Dish with One Spoon Wampum Agreement

    • Upper Canada Treaty Agreement

    • These agreements are binding and highlight a mutual commitment to foster healthy, respectful relationships with Indigenous nations and peoples.

  • Emphasis on dedication to:

    • Inclusivity

    • Friendship

    • Valuing Indigenous contributions and communities.

Importance of Professional Associations

  • 460,000 nurses in Canada, categorized as follows:

    • Registered Nurse (RN)

    • Registered Practical Nurse (RPN)

    • Nurse Practitioners (NP)

    • Registered Psychiatric Nurses (RPN)

  • Each category has a relationship with a respective provincial or territorial regulatory body.

  • Nurses may affiliate with various organizations:

    • Nursing unions

    • Professional nursing associations

    • Specialty nursing associations

Governance in Healthcare

  • The governance of health care at the federal level is multifaceted, presenting complexities in understanding major nursing organizations.

  • Categories of Organizations:

    • Nursing Regulatory Bodies

    • Nursing Unions

    • Nursing Specialty Practice Organizations

    • Professional Nursing Associations

Types of Nursing Organizations

Nursing Regulatory Bodies

  • Example: College of Nurses of Ontario

    • Purpose:

    • Protect public interests

    • Set, monitor, and enforce practice standards for regulated nurses in Canada.

Nursing Unions

  • Example: Ontario Nurses Association

    • Focus on individual nurses and their worker rights.

    • Collaborate with employers and governments to:

    • Develop and negotiate collective agreements

    • Advocate for safe working conditions, sufficient staffing levels, and equitable pay.

Nursing Specialty Practice Organizations

  • Example: Pediatric Oncology Group Ontario

    • Function as a focal point for:

    • Affiliation

    • Professional development

    • Advancement of specialty nursing practices.

    • Aim to enhance quality and effectiveness of care.

Professional Nursing Associations

  • Examples: RNAO, RPNAO

    • Connect with other nursing organizations.

    • Lead discussions on broader societal issues related to:

    • Health systems

    • Healthcare practices

    • Health outcomes.

    • Take a leadership role in:

    • Advocacy

    • Policy development

    • Build alliances among:

    • Nurses

    • Nursing students

    • Retired nurses.

Professional Liability Protection (PLP)

  • Condition of membership in the College of Nurses of Ontario:

    • Mandatory for all members, regardless of practice status.

  • Purpose of PLP:

    • Provides financial compensation for the public harmed due to malpractice or negligence by a professional.

  • Non-practicing members are exempt from PLP requirements.

  • Employers may offer coverage; individual responsibility to ensure compliance with relevant by-laws.

  • The College of Nurses may require proof of PLP at any time.

Obtaining Professional Liability Protection

  • Sources for acquiring PLP:

    • Employer

    • Provincial or national nursing associations

    • Insurance providers.

  • Coverage requirements:

    • Minimum coverage:

    • $1 million per claim for General or Temporary Class

    • $2 million per claim for Extended Class (NPs).

Types of Professional Liability Protection

Occurrence-Based Coverage

  • Covers claims made for incidents occurring during the period when coverage is active.

  • The timing of the claim filing is irrelevant.

Claims-Made Coverage

  • Covers claims if filed while the policy is active.

  • Coverage depends on the timing of the claim, not the incident.

Common Questions Regarding PLP

  1. Multiple Work Settings:

    • Nurses must ensure PLP covers all work settings.

    • Example: Working for two employers necessitates confirmed PLP compliance with by-law requirements.

  2. Not Practicing but Not in Non-Practising Class:

    • Members must maintain PLP regardless of practice status while in specific classes (General, Extended, Temporary, Special Assignment, Emergency Assignment).

  3. Non-Clinical Role:

    • All listed nurses eligible to practice must hold PLP; they can change roles at any time.

    • PLP assures public trust in those listed as eligible practitioners.

  4. Registered as RN and RPN:

    • If eligible to practice in both roles, one must ensure PLP covers both roles.

  5. RPN and Unregulated Care Provider:

    • PLP must cover all nursing practice, including transitioning to nursing roles if necessary.

  6. Emergency Care Outside Practice Setting:

    • The Good Samaritan Act supports healthcare professionals, including nurses, in providing emergency aid during incidents, ensuring they are covered under PLP in such events.