Posted April 29, 2015
CRNBC is pleased to announce that beginning in 2016, B.C. nurses will receive their professional liability protection, along with numerous associated services, from the Canadian Nurses Protective Society (CNPS). This is a significant and welcome change for British Columbians as well as B.C. RNs and NPs.
“This serves our mandate of protecting the public by ensuring any legal claims brought against B.C. nurses are quickly and effectively addressed,“ says Cynthia Johansen, CRNBC Registrar/CEO. “It also gives nurses access to programs and services that will help them better understand their professional legal obligations, manage the risks in their nursing practice and reduce the risk of harm to their patients.”
In order to move to this new plan, CRNBC applied for, and was accepted, as a member of the
Canadian Nurses Protective Society (CNPS) on April 25, 2015. This followed the CRNBC board's decision to close the college's own small “captive” insurance company, reducing risks and exposure to the organization, the public and nurses.
Until the CNPS program is in place in March 2016, the college has purchased commercial policies and transferred management of these policies to the
Association of Registered Nurses of BC (ARNBC). ARNBC has strongly advocated for membership in CNPS, understanding that registered nurses and nurse practitioners in B.C. are eager for better protection, and will benefit greatly from the education and supports CNPS offers.
"We are thrilled the College has been responsive to the concerns of our B.C. nurses who deserve the best protection available as they support the health and well-being of British Columbians," says Julie Fraser, RN and ARNBC President. "ARNBC is proud to have had a role in advocating for this important change and we look forward to working with both CRNBC and CNPS on this transition."
With CNPS, beginning March 1, 2016 all CRNBC registrants will have access to supports including:
- Confidential and objective advice to improve safety, quality and reduce exposure to risk
- Current support for professional practice issues, i.e. right to die, patient handover
- Summaries of legal cases involving the nursing profession, to assist with identification of potential safety and risk issues for patients and nurses
- Access to independent legal advice
- Assessment of contracts
CNPS CEO Chantal Léonard welcomes the decision.
“Our mandate is to help nurses effectively manage their professional legal risks and be appropriately assisted when in professional legal jeopardy,” Chantal says. “We're available to assist our beneficiaries day to day, in every aspect of their practice, and we look forward to providing B.C. nurses all of the benefits of belonging to a legal support system created by Canadian nurses for Canadian nurses.”
Contact
Cynthia Johansen
Registrar/CEO
ceo@crnbc.ca