CNO releases new standard for discontinuing or declining care

CNO has a new standard for discontinuing and declining nursing care.

Approved by Council, CNO’s board of directors, on June 6, the new standard describes accountabilities for nurses when it comes to discontinuing or declining to provide care to patients.

The new Discontinuing or Declining to Provide Care practice standard helps you understand your accountabilities. Every nurse is responsible to understand and practice these professional expectations related to refusal of care or discontinuing nursing service.

“Nurses have a duty to provide care that is accessible, inclusive, culturally safe and free from discrimination,” said Catriona Mill, RN, Manager of Practice Quality.

That means nurses cannot abandon or neglect patients to whom they have a duty to provide care. In cases where nurses need to discontinue care, the new standard explains how nurses ensure ongoing access to care that complies with relevant legislation, professional standards of practice and service agreements.

“This new standard provides clarity on what nurses need to know, so they can ensure the safety of their patients and meet their professional accountabilities,” said Mill.

This new standard was developed in consultation with nurse and health care partners, who requested clarity on the subject in easy-to-understand language. It replaces the Refusing Assignments practice guideline that was retired in 2023. The difference between the guideline and the new standard is that, while the guideline provided practice considerations, the standard describes professional accountabilities applicable to all nurses in all practice settings. The new standard also includes a glossary with key terms and links to other standards and practice resources.

Your accountabilities when it comes to discontinuing care are guided by consideration of three main principles:

Professionalism

Nurses promote dignity and respect for the nursing profession and are accountable for providing safe, effective and ethical client care.

Communication

Nurses ensure clear communication with the client, health care team and employer, when considering discontinuing or declining to provide care.

Safety

Nurses ensure client safety is the priority in any care situation.

Learn more

You can learn more about the new standard on our website, including resources to support its application.

You can see a webinar on Wednesday, June 26, 2024 at 12 p.m. or Thursday, June 27, 2024 at 7 p.m.