Professional liability protection (PLP)

PLP coverage is automatically included in RNAO membership for all RNs and NPs at no additional cost.

  • All RNs and NPs practising in Ontario must have professional liability protection (PLP) as mandated by the College of Nurses of Ontario (CNO).

  • Membership in RNAO satisfies the CNO’s PLP requirement.

  • To be eligible for coverage, an RN or NP must be an RNAO member and must be registered to practice with a Canadian nursing regulatory body at the time of the event(s) giving rise to the covered claim.

  • Membership fees for RNs and NPs with PLP and taxes included can be found here.

Registration is easy! Join online or call us at 416-599-1925 or 1-800-268-7199 ext 1.

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Important questions to ask about PLP

Does the plan have a duty to defend?

The PLP offered by RNAO is a professional liability insurance product, wherein the insurer has the duty to defend the covered claim. When it comes to lawsuits, you want an insurance policy offered by RNAO, a trusted name for 95 years to give you peace of mind.

Does the plan cover what you do as an RN or NP?

The scope of coverage provided by RNAO's PLP insurance policy is for services which fall within the scope of practice of nursing for which the RN or NP may be authorized, including and not limited to any instance where there is the use of nursing knowledge, judgment and skill.

Does the plan cover you after your retirement?

Yes. If at the time of the incident(s) you were an RNAO member and you were registered to practice with the CNO, you are covered, regardless of whether you are a member when the claim is brought forth. Do not let “claims made” or “occurrence-based” insurance jargon confuse you. Membership at the time you receive the notice of claim is not relevant to determine eligibility for PLP protection.

Does the plan cover you outside of your workplace?

RNAO's PLP coverage is 24/7 in Canada for nursing services while on the job as well as emergency first aid and nursing advice provided outside of the workplace.

Does RNAO’s PLP cover communicable diseases?

Yes. RNAO PLP coverage includes coverage for communicable diseases. Please be aware that other PLP plans may not.

If your workplace’s PLP insurance has a communicable disease exclusion and if you do not have RNAO’s PLP, you are exposed to serious risks and you may not meet CNO’s PLP requirements – as the CNO’s PLP requirement does not have exemptions communicable diseases.

 How much is the coverage and what is covered?

Subject to the terms of coverage and policy aggregate limit, the program provides the following key benefits:

  • Civil litigation



    Provides coverage up to $10,000,000 per claim for amounts that you become legally obligated to pay as a result of a professional liability claim arising from a covered medical incident.
  • Criminal investigations and prosecutions



    Provides reimbursement up to $1,000,000 for successful defence of criminal charges laid in Canada arising out of nursing practice.
  • Statutory offences



    Provides reimbursement up to $1,000,000 for defence of human rights or privacy related regulatory/administrative proceedings arising out of nursing practice.
  • Public inquiries, inquests and fatality inquiries



    Provides reimbursement up to $1,000,000 for public inquiries or inquests conducted by the coroner or medical examiner in which you are required to attend and provide testimony in your capacity as an RN or NP.
  • Non-party proceeding



    Provides reimbursement up to $1,000,000 if you are required to attend a civil or criminal proceeding to provide evidence in your capacity as an RN or NP.

More:

  • Coverage extends to your estate, heirs, and executives in the event of your death, incapacity, insolvency or bankruptcy. This provides you with peace of mind that your family and assets are protected.
  • Coverage extends to your role as an educator or as a member of a formal accreditation, standards review or similar professional board or committee, including as a director or officer of such board or committee.
  • Coverage is portable



    You can take your individual insurance coverage wherever you go – whether you have a second job, move, change jobs or set up your own business. (For RNAO members who may require business insurance, RNAO’s group rate business insurance program, NurseInsure, is available for consideration. Please contact Axis Insurance at the contact information listed below).
  • Coverage is nation-wide



    RNAO’s professional liability protection is available across Canada provided RNAO membership and registration to a Canadian nursing regulatory body are both maintained. (For RNAO members who require insurance coverage outside of Canada, please contact Axis Insurance ​​​​​​at the contact information listed below).
  • Certificate of insurance available



    Upon request, RNAO members are able to obtain a Certificate of Insurance to indicate they have insurance coverage in place.

Who is providing the insurance coverage?

The PLP offered by RNAO as of Nov. 1, 2015 is a professional liability insurance product, wherein the insurer has the duty to defend your covered claim. In today’s litigious environment, selecting a professional liability insurance provider is a critical decision for health-care professionals. That's why RNAO has chosen a PLP provider with experience, expertise and financial stability – Liberty Mutual Insurance.

Liberty Mutual Insurance is:

  • A leading provider of professional liability insurance in Canada since 1936.
  • Dedicated health-care professional liability claims team with more than 150 years of combined experience defending medical professionals, including registered nurses and NPs.
  • Financially rated as ‘A’ Excellent by A.M. Best Co., the leading authority on the financial well being of insurance companies.

Please note that the information outlined above is only a summary, and does not include all terms, conditions or exclusions of the coverage described in the policy.

How do we compare?

Important: Reporting requirement

If you have been contacted on any legal matter or if you are aware of a circumstance that may lead to a claim, you are required to contact Axis Insurance as soon as possible or coverage may be denied by insurer.

For any coverage or claims related inquiries about the RNAO PLP please contact:

Lorraine Palmer
905-845-9793 / 1-800-650-3435 ext. 4337
[email protected]
OR
[email protected]

Coverage Inquiries

For coverage related inquiries about RNAO PLP, please email [email protected] or call 905-845-9793 / 1-800-650-3435 ext. 4354

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