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Frequently Asked Questions

In this area we’ve compiled some of our most frequently asked questions, sorted by topic. If you have any additional questions, we would be pleased to assist you.
Canadian Nurses Protective Society > About Us > Frequently Asked Questions

CNPS Core Services

What types of core services does the CNPS provide?

Please visit our core services page to learn more.

What is occurrence-based professional liability protection?

Under an occurrence-based model, the availability of protection depends on whether the protection was active when the incident giving rise to the claim occurred. For instance, in health care, the availability of protection would only depend on whether it was in place when the care was provided. It does not matter when (how soon or far in to the future) the claim is commenced. This is why tail coverage is not needed when occurrence-based protection is in place. CNPS offers occurrence-based professional liability protection. Learn more here.

What are the circumstances in which the CNPS does not generally extend assistance?

Please keep in mind that the CNPS does not extend assistance in the following circumstances:

      • Labour relations 
      • Pure employment disputes (unfair wages, interpersonal conflicts, termination etc.) 
      • Proceedings related to workers’ compensation legislation 
      • Pure allegations of breach of contract unrelated to allegations of negligence 
      • Initiating complaints   
      • Claims against a business entity 
      • Civil claims, where there is adequate professional liability protection from your employer 
          • If the claim is one for which you already have adequate coverage from your employer, you will generally be expected to rely on the protection made available by your employer. But know that this will only apply when we have ascertained that your employer has the necessary protections in place. 
How do I know whether I am an eligible beneficiary?

Please see our Am I Eligible? page.

My employer requires a proof of my professional liability protection. Where can I get this?

The CNPS is pleased to issue a written confirmation that you are eligible for its professional liability protection (PLP) when this is requested by your employer or another third party where or for whom you are providing professional nursing services. Please submit a request by completing this form. 

I work as an independent contractor and have just received a new contract. Does the CNPS assist with pre-contractual reviews of professional service agreements? What about general contract reviews?

Yes. One of the services provided to CNPS beneficiaries within core services is pre-contractual reviews of professional service agreements.

Please note that this service is to assist beneficiaries in identifying wording or content in a proposed agreement that may give rise to issues within the realm of professional obligations, responsibility or liability. It is not intended to address pure employment or commercial terms. As there are several aspects of an agreement to consider in a review, it is important to contact the CNPS as soon as possible upon receipt of the agreement so that there is adequate time to proceed to the review. We cannot provide any commitment that a review will be conducted in advance of any deadline, particularly if the timeline is very short.

Eligibility

(includes information for students, volunteers, camp nurses, and retirees)

Who may become a CNPS beneficiary?

Nurses from all professional designations (NPs, RNs, LPNs and RPNs) in Canada may become CNPS beneficiaries, either as an individual beneficiary or as a benefit of membership in a CNPS member organization or affiliated organization. To verify your eligibility status, please visit our Am I eligible? page.

If I am already a CNPS beneficiary, but I also practice in Ontario or Quebec, do I need to apply for individual beneficiary status as well?

This will depend on your nursing designation, and whether you hold different licensures in different provinces. We recommend that you call CNPS at 1-800-267-3390 and speak with registration.

Are students eligible for CNPS protection?

No, undergraduate nursing students are not generally eligible for CNPS services. Post-graduate students may become CNPS beneficiaries, either as an individual beneficiary or through a CNPS member organization or affiliated organization. Please visit our Am I eligible? page for more information.

Who is liable when a nursing student is on a placement?

Nursing students on placement generally have liability protection through an agreement between the school of nursing and the facility where the student does a practicum. Your educational institution and/or the facility where you are on placement would generally be responsible for your legal defence costs.

Can a nursing student be sued?

Yes, nursing students can be found negligent in the care of patients while on practicum.

Am I eligible for protection from CNPS if I work as a nurse at a summer camp?

CNPS protection is available to camp nurses in Canada provided they are a CNPS beneficiary practicing in Canada at the time of the occurrence.

Is CNPS protection available if I provide nursing services as a volunteer?

CNPS protection is available to nurses who provide volunteer nursing services in Canada provided they are a CNPS beneficiary at the time of the occurrence.

Will I be protected by CNPS if I work in a foreign country?

CNPS protection generally remains in place even if you work as a nurse outside of Canada, provided you are CNPS beneficiary at the time of the incident. In the event of a civil action, you must be a CNPS beneficiary at the time of the occurrence, and the civil action must be commenced in Canada. When undertaking a nursing role in another country, nurses should also explore if insurance options are available to them through their employer.

Am I eligible for CNPS protection after I retire?

Yes. The CNPS provides occurrence-based professional liability protection which means there is no time limit on the protection we provide. After you retire, you will continue to remain eligible for CNPS professional liability protection and legal assistance as a past beneficiary, if a civil action is commenced from the care that you provided while you were a CNPS beneficiary.

What are the circumstances in which the CNPS does not generally extend assistance?

Please keep in mind that the CNPS does not extend assistance in the following circumstances:

    • Labour relations 
    • Pure employment disputes (unfair wages, interpersonal conflicts, termination etc.) 
    • Proceedings related to workers’ compensation legislation 
    • Pure allegations of breach of contract unrelated to allegations of negligence 
    • Initiating complaints   
    • Claims against a business entity 
    • Civil claims, where there is adequate professional liability protection from your employer 
        • If the claim is one for which you already have adequate coverage from your employer, you will generally be expected to rely on the protection made available by your employer. But know that this will only apply when we have ascertained that your employer has the necessary protections in place. 
What is quality assurance in a nursing context? Does the CNPS extend assistance for quality assurance proceedings?

“Quality assurance” generally refers to any process or practice by which an organization or regulatory body responsible for ensuring compliance with the applicable standards or policy verifies compliance to ensure patients receive safe, quality and ethical care. Quality assurance programs can also provide nurses with educational opportunities to assess and improve patient care. In the course of their practice, nursing professionals may be asked or required to submit to quality assurance proceedings by their regulatory body, their employer or a third party for whom they provide services. Please note that although the CNPS does not extend assistance for quality assurance proceedings either as part of its Core Services or through the Supplementary Protection program, we may be able to provide information about the process or other inquiries.

Registration and Fees

How do I register to become a CNPS beneficiary?

Visit our Join or Renew page for more information.

How does the CNPS establish its fees?

As a not-for-profit organization, fees are set on a cost-recovery basis. Fees are reviewed every year to ensure that they remain generally adequate. They are the subject of a more comprehensive assessment every few years, in response to a significant change in the nursing or legal environment or in our membership structure. When implementing a significant change in our fees or fee structure, the CNPS generally does so with the benefit of an actuarial analysis. The CNPS endeavours to provide notice of a change in fee several months to a year in advance so that both nurses and member organizations can receive appropriate notice of any changes.

What role does the structure of the CNPS play in determining fees?

The CNPS operates as a national organization with a national perspective. Fees are determined for each professional nursing designation using national data, and the same fees are applied in each province and territory.  Nurses can become eligible for CNPS core services, including professional liability protection, in one of two ways: as a benefit of membership in an affiliated/member organization, or by becoming a CNPS individual beneficiary. Nurses who access CNPS services as individual beneficiaries pay a higher fee because they join a group traditionally made up of individuals with a more diversified practice. Additionally, with the exception of a possible transition period, their access to our services is administered and supported directly by us, rather than a member or affiliated organization.

Most CNPS member organizations are provincial and territorial regulatory bodies.  The CNPS membership structure is evolving, however, as some regulatory bodies have recently opted to transfer their membership to provincial associations.  This is one of the changes that will mandate a more comprehensive assessment of our fee structure. Other significant changes that contribute to the need for a reassessment include COVID-19, changes to the nursing scope of practice, and new modes of health-care delivery such as the rapid expansion of virtual care.

What changes can be expected further to a review or assessment?

Following an actuarial review of the CNPS fee structure in the summer of 2021, the CNPS modified its fee structure as follows:

  • Given the combined number of beneficiaries in Manitoba and British Columbia who opted to access CNPS services as individual beneficiaries, the CNPS created a new category of individual beneficiaries encompassing nurses who choose to access CNPS services individually and for whom CNPS beneficiary status is required by law or by their regulatory body.
  • The fee requirement in this category will be adjusted to reflect characteristics specific to this group.
  • As a result, in 2022, beneficiaries in this category can expect to see a fee reduction from the fee applicable in 2021.
Are CNPS fees pro-rated?

Currently, CNPS fees are not pro-rated for CNPS beneficiaries who are a member of a CNPS member organization or affiliated organization. However, fees for the last quarter of the year are pro-rated for individual beneficiaries and those who apply for optional Supplementary Protection.

Why does the CNPS offer $10 million of professional liability protection when less may be required in my jurisdiction?
The amount of professional liability protection made available by the CNPS is based on an analysis of court awards and settlement payments so that nurses have adequate protection to cover an award that they may be required to pay. It also ensures that patients are fully compensated when harmed in the provision of care. 
Why are CNPS fees higher for NPs than other nursing professions?

Generally, nurse practitioners have a broader scope of practice than registered nurses, licensed practical nurses, registered practical nurses or registered psychiatric nurses. As a result of their senior decision-making role on health care teams, nurse practitioners are more likely to be involved in litigation cases where higher amounts are claimed.

When does my registration become effective?

If you are an individual beneficiary with the CNPS, the registration year runs from January 1st to December 31st. You are considered a beneficiary when both your application and payment have been received. You will need to renew by December 31st to avoid a gap in protection.

Why do I need to provide my date of birth as part of the application process?

Your date of birth is used as one of the many unique identifiers to connect beneficiary information to the correct profile as well as for record-keeping purposes. Being able to clearly identify our beneficiaries is necessary to ensure that confidentiality of information is protected.

Why do you recommend using a personal email address and not my work address?

An employer may have a legal right to access the information in your work email mailbox. Since CNPS assistance is confidential, and because your work email address may change frequently, we recommend the use of a personal email address.

Why do you need to know if I am an independent contractor?

The CNPS asks for your status so that in the event that you should call us, we can understand your needs and serve you better.

Why is “verification required” listed on the registration form?

This section of the registration form indicates whether the individual has an active nursing licensure, and is part of the CNPS’s quality assurance process.

How will I know if my application has been received and if my registration is active?

Check your myCNPS account or call us at 1-800-267-3390.

I didn’t receive a confirmation that my payment was received. Where can I get a receipt?

Your official receipt will exist in your myCNPS account. If you used an online form of payment (such as PayPal), you will receive a Transaction Record automatically. This Transaction Record is not an official CNPS receipt.

How can I change my address or other personal information?

To change your address or other personal information, please call the CNPS at 1-800-267-3390. It is important to keep the CNPS updated with any change in your personal or work information so that we can assist you promptly in the event of a claim or legal challenge.

CNPS Supplementary Protection Program

Does the CNPS assist with regulatory matters?

Yes, this optional service is available to CNPS beneficiaries for an additional fee. The CNPS Supplementary Protection program was created to provide an affordable source of legal assistance with complaints regarding your professional conduct from your nursing regulator (College or association). Please note that this protection is not included within core services, and that nurses must apply for registration in the Supplementary Protection program prior to an adverse incident.

Is CNPS Supplementary Protection mandatory?

No. Unlike professional liability protection, having access to legal assistance with College complaints is not a legislated requirement.

Can I apply for CNPS Supplementary Protection after an adverse incident occurs and still be eligible?

No. You must be a registrant of the CNPS Supplementary Protection program at the time of the incident giving rise to the complaint and/or investigation, and at the time of the complaint, in order to be eligible for assistance.

How is eligibility considered when a complaint or investigation relates to a series of incidents?

If the complaint or investigation pertains to more than one incident or to a continuous or repetitive course of conduct, you must be or have been a registrant of the CNPS Supplementary Protection program when every incident took place or for the entire duration of the conduct giving rise to the complaint and/or investigation; and you must have maintained your registration with the CNPS Supplementary Protection program at the time when the complaint was filed by the complainant to the nursing regulator.

How much help will I get with a complaint or investigation if I am eligible for CNPS Supplementary Protection?

Provided you are eligible for assistance, you will receive legal advice and representation and the cost of expert evidence (if expert evidence is necessary) until the matter is dismissed, resolved on consent, resolved by way of a decision by a complaints committee or formally referred for a hearing before the Discipline Committee or a Fitness-to-Practice Committee.

Will I remain eligible for assistance with regulatory complaints once I terminate my participation in the program?

No. To be eligible for the CNPS Supplementary Protection program, you must be a CNPS beneficiary and a registrant of the CNPS Supplementary Protection program at the time of the incident giving rise to the complaint or investigation and at the time when the complaint was filed by the complainant to the nursing regulator.

Does CNPS Supplementary Protection extend to disciplinary hearings?

If you have received assistance from CNPS during the complaint/investigation stage of the process, your eligibility for assistance extends to matters that are formally referred to a Disciplinary Committee, Board of Inquiry, Fitness-to-Practice Committee or other equivalent tribunal for determination. This assistance is made available through a partnership with an insurer. There is a limit of $50,000 for this assistance once the formal referral has been made.

What is generally excluded from CNPS Supplementary Protection?
  • Assistance with quality assurance proceedings
  • Assistance with appeals or applications for judicial review
  • Fines that may be imposed as a result of the process
  • Other expenses such as medical or any other professional assessments; remedies imposed on or agreed to by the nurse; courses or training; personal expenses such as travel or accommodation costs to meet with your legal counsel, attend a meeting with the nursing regulator or a hearing
  • CNPS Supplementary Protection does not act as a source of funding in excess to another provider of assistance with complaints to a nursing regulator or an appeal or judicial review of a regulatory matter.
Can I retain my eligibility for assistance with regulatory complaints once I have retired or am on leave?

Yes. If you are on leave or retired and no longer have an active nursing license, you are able to retain your eligibility as long as you maintain your participation in the Supplementary Protection program.

Nursing Business Solutions (formally CNPS Business Plus)

What is Nursing Business Solutions and how is it different from CNPS Core Services?

Nursing Business Solutions is a business insurance product available exclusively to CNPS beneficiaries and brokered by BMS. This insurance product is designed to provide business protection for CNPS beneficiaries who are nursing business owners as a complement to the individual protection available to them as CNPS beneficiaries. Purchasing a Nursing Business Solutions insurance product does not provide any access to CNPS core services or Supplementary Protection. Learn more. 

If I have an independent practice or clinic, do I need more liability protection?

Should you operate a business, it would be generally advisable for your business to carry separate protection. Your business financial or legal advisor may assist you in determining the type and extent of protection or coverage that would be appropriate for your business. You may also need “business-type” coverage for risks associated with your infrastructure if you are an independent contractor. If you are unsure whether you operate a business or whether you are an independent contractor, you can contact the CNPS for more information. You may also consult our Nursing Business Solutions page for more information about the commercial liability options available via this BMS insurance product.

Webinars

Before the Webinar

What are the technical requirements?

You can access the webinar on a laptop or desktop computer by clicking on the link provided in your confirmation email. Copy and paste the link to your internet browser to access the webinar presentation page. 

Is it possible to watch a webinar from a mobile device?

Yes, users may also access the webinar by using the Zoom app on a mobile device. Once the link is selected, your mobile device will ask you if you wish to open in your internet browser or in the Zoom app.

I registered several days ago and do not yet have my confirmation email. Why not?

Please check your junk mail or contact us at webinar@cnps.ca if you do not receive a confirmation email within three business days after registering.

What time is the webinar in my time zone?

Once you register for a webinar, you will receive a confirmation email from the CNPS that will display the time zone that applies to you. You will also receive  a reminder email from CNPS within 48 hours before and on the day of the webinar. If you are uncertain about your time zone, we recommend consulting the National Research Council of Canada’s website. 

What is the cost?

Webinars are free for CNPS beneficiaries and Canadian nursing students. Non-beneficiaries who wish to attend a webinar may become a beneficiary here.

During the Webinar

Why is the link not working?

If the link is not working, you may need to copy and paste it into your browser address bar. If this is still not working, we suggest trying a different internet browser.

Why am I hearing an echo?

It is likely you have multiple windows of the webinar running. Close any duplicate webinar sessions which may be open.

Why don't I hear sound?

Try playing sound from another website and check your volume settings. If you can hear sound from other websites, the problem is usually fixed by closing out of the webinar and going back in again. If you have more than one audio output available, you can try selecting the speaker icon, then “select speaker”, and choose a different speaker.

After the Webinar

Will I get a certificate of attendance?

We send  a thank you email the day after the webinar to all nurses who attended. The thank you email includes the webinar title, date, description, and duration of the webinar. It can be kept for your professional development records.

I missed the webinar. Will it be offered again?

It depends on the topic. Some topics such as documentation and social media are offered regularly. Other topics such as legal risks for new grads, independent practice and privacy are offered at least once per year.

Visit the Webinars page for a list of upcoming webinars.

Can I receive a copy of the webinar?

Since the law is always subject to change, the CNPS does not generally offer copies of presentations, nor recordings of presentations. If you are looking to book a webinar or live presentation for a group, please visit the Request an Educational Session page for more information.

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