The following questions and answers provide clarification on nurses' self-reporting obligations when they are charged with an offence.

No, since January 1, 2013, nurses have been required to self-report charges against them to the College. This obligation was part of changes made to College regulations.

Nurses must self-report if they have been charged with any offence (including, for example, charges under the Criminal Code or Controlled Drugs and Substances Act).

No, the College does not investigate every self-report that is received. The College’s Executive Director 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 Executive Director 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 College representative to discuss the matter.

No, the College receives information from a wide variety of sources. Some of these sources include employers, the police, the public and the news media.

A nurse who does not meet his or her self-reporting obligation could be investigated and may face professional conduct allegations.

If CNO is aware that a nurse has been charged under the Criminal Code of Canada or the Controlled Drugs or Substances Act, CNO is required by law to post the date and place of the charge, as well as a summary.

Any current conditions of release following a charge under the Criminal Code of Canada or the Controlled Drugs or Substances Act must be posted by law, including any variations.

If aware, CNO is also required to post a summary of any other charge that, in the opinion of the Registrar, is relevant to a nurse’s suitability to practice nursing.

Yes, nurses are just one group of health professionals who have mandatory self-reporting obligations. Physicians, for example, must also report charges to their regulator, the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario.

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