On This Page
CNO’s revised Code of Conduct takes effect
The College of Nurses of Ontario (CNO) protects the public by promoting safe nursing practice. This includes setting and maintaining practice standards and guidelines that support and ensure all nurses practice safely and competently.
CNO has revised the Code of Conduct (Code) for the nursing profession. Nurses are accountable to this new practice standard effective June 5, 2023.
As CNO’s central practice standard, the Code sets out the behaviours and conduct nurses are expected to follow. It also tells the public what to expect from nurses when receiving care.
“The release of the revised Code of Conduct is an important milestone for CNO and ensures nursing standards keep pace with our ever-evolving profession” says Silvie Crawford, CNO’s Executive Director and CEO. “I want to thank the many members of the public, nurses and health system leaders who contributed feedback and participated in consultations to make this revision a reality.”
The most significant change to the Code is the transformation of Principle 2, focusing on inclusive and safe care by practicing cultural humility. The Code also includes new features, such as integrating existing standards from Professional Standards and Ethics and embedding direct links to other CNO practice standards and guidelines.
Since key information and principles from Professional Standards and Ethics are embedded into the modernized Code, the Code will replace both these practice standards.
To help nurses understand the revisions to the Code and how to apply the Code in practice, we’re hosting virtual information sessions. We are also creating new learning resources for nurses.
Visit www.cno.org to learn more about the Code and access the new resources. If you have specific questions related to the Code, contact Practice Support.
