Legal risk is an inevitable part of nursing practice.
Ask yourself: Who will protect you, your professional reputation and your registration with the College of Nurses of Ontario (CNO) if a complaint is made against you?
Will you need legal advice if you lose your job? Lawyers' fees can range from $250 to $500 per hour or more for legal advice and representation. Enrollment in RNAO's Legal Assistance Program (LAP®) provides RNAO members with security and peace of mind at the low cost of $64.57 per year (in addition to your annual RNAO membership fee).
LAP was established by RNAO in 1986 to help its members with certain legal problems related to the professional practice of nursing (as recognized by CNO) on a case-by-case basis. LAP provides financial support for access to legal counsel in several circumstances, including:
In addition to access to legal counsel, LAP also provides participants with employment relations advice, free information materials, educational presentations on legal issues relevant to nursing practice, as well as referral to RNAO and external resources which may be of assistance to members in their particular circumstances.
To enrol in LAP:
If you would like more information about LAP or if you are already a LAP member and have legal concerns related to your nursing practice, please contact us via the contact form linked below.
To be eligible for LAP, a member must have been enrolled in program at the time of the incident(s) giving rise to the need for assistance and remain a participant continuously and without interruption from that time, up until their case is resolved. LAP is under no obligation to reimburse members for legal expenses incurred where a lawyer has been engaged or retained prior to contacting the LAP administrator. Requests for assistance will only be considered for assistance which is not covered by a union or other provider or plan. See "LAP - Legal Assistance Program Policies" below or contact the LAP administrator for more information.
Please see the events calendar for upcoming webcasts.
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| RNAO Legal Assistance Program (LAP®) policies | Download |
RNAO members enjoy benefits such as legal protection, educational events, nursing and health-care information, and networking opportunities; and collaboratively support the association's advocacy for healthy public policy that benefits all Ontarians.
PLP coverage is automatically included in RNAO membership for all RNs and NPs at no additional cost. The PLP offered by RNAO is a professional liability insurance product, wherein the insurer has the duty to defend the covered claim.
RNAO CLP is all encompassing protection for RNAO members. It extends to both your professional services exposures as a practising RN or NP and as well to your personal exposures.
Are you looking for an insurance solution to your Errors & Omissions and Business needs? Look no further – RNAO has the solution in the NurseInsure Malpractice Errors & Omissions Insurance and Business Insurance Programs.
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