Self-reporting is legal requirement for Ontario nurses

Reporting is an important component of regulating the nursing profession in Ontario. Reports alert CNO to situations where a nurse may not be practicing safely and allow CNO to take any appropriate steps to protect the public.

A nurse must self-report to CNO if any of the following apply:

  • they have been found guilty of any offence in any jurisdiction
  • they have been charged with any offence in any jurisdiction (including, for example, charges under the Criminal Code or Controlled Drugs and Substances Act)
  • they have a finding of professional negligence or malpractice
  • they have a finding of professional misconduct, incompetence or incapacity, or any similar finding, in relation to the practice of nursing or any other profession in any jurisdiction
  • they are the subject of a current investigation, inquiry or proceeding for professional misconduct, incompetence or incapacity or any similar investigation or proceeding in relation to the practice of nursing or any other profession in any jurisdiction (Note: CNO proceedings do not need not be self-reported to CNO.)

Failing to self-report is a serious matter and may result allegations of professional misconduct.

CNO also receives information from a wide variety of sources. Some of these sources include employers, the police, the public and the news media. We may become aware of your failure to self-report through a report from a third party or publicly available information.

Submitting a self-report

Follow these steps to complete and submit a self-report:

  1. consult the Reporting Guide and
  2. use the online self-reporting form. You will be able to upload and submit supporting documents with your self-report or
  3. download and complete the PDF version of the self-reporting form. Once you have completed the PDF form, email it to investigations-intake@cnomail.org along with any supporting documentation you want to include

What happens after you submit a self-report

CNO does not investigate every self-report received. CNO’s Registrar and CEO reviews the self-report, determines what level of risk may be posed to the public and makes a decision about an appropriate response.

There are many options available to the Registrar and CEO that do not involve an investigation. For example, a nurse may be advised to review practice standards and, in some cases, may be asked to meet with a CNO representative to discuss the matter.

However, your self-report could be investigated and you may face professional conduct allegations.

If the charges are found to be relevant to your ability to practice nursing safely, they will be posted on your profile in CNO’s public register, Find a Nurse.

Need assistance?

For assistance or more information on the self-reporting process, email CNO at investigations-intake@cnomail.org or call 416 963-7504 (toll-free in Canada 1 877 963-7504).

Related Links