RNAO memberships run from November 1 to October 31 each year. We offer two payment options: One-Time Payment and Continuous Payment (Auto-Renewal). Please review the cancellation terms for each below.
One-Time Payment Memberships
- Refund Deadline: Cancellations made before March 1 of the membership year are eligible for a pro-rated refund.
- Refunds are calculated based on the number of full unused months remaining.
- A cancellation fee of $30 will be charged for all membership cancellations that occur more than 24 hours after becoming a member.
- No Cancellation as of March 1: As of March 1 of a given membership year, no refunds will be issued, and membership category changes are not permitted.
- If you are on continuous renewal: To avoid being charged for the next membership year, you must cancel before your next scheduled payment. You will be notified by email about your upcoming renewal and how to remove yourself from automatic renewal.
- Membership, including PLP - and the optional Legal Assistance Program (LAP®), if applicable - is cancelled as of the date you receive confirmation of your cancellation.
- PLP coverage ends as of the cancellation confirmation date.
- LAP® coverage also ends and assistance in no longer available, even for nursing practice incidents that took place while you were a member of LAP® (see eligibility requirements explained below)
- Add-ons such as LAP and Interest Groups are not eligible for refunds.
- How to Cancel: Email your cancellation request, before March 1 to [email protected] with your full name and membership number.
Monthly Payment (Auto-Renewal) Memberships
- Ongoing Renewal: Your membership will automatically renew each year unless you cancel.
- No Cancellation as of March 1: As of March 1 no cancellations for the current membership year will be processed.
- Members on monthly payment options are not eligible for any refunds for cancellations.
- Membership, including PLP and LAP®, is cancelled as of the date you receive confirmation of your cancellation.
- PLP coverage ends as of the cancellation confirmation date.
- LAP® coverage also ends and assistance in no longer available, even for nursing practice incidents that took place while you were a member of LAP® (see eligibility requirements explained below)
- How to Cancel: Email [email protected] and request to cancel your membership. You will receive confirmation once your continuous payment has been deactivated.
Legal Assistance Program (LAP®): Important Eligibility Information
If you enrolled in RNAO’s optional LAP®, please note that cancelling or discontinuing RNAO membership also ends LAP® participation and eligibility for assistance.
LAP Eligibility Requirements:
To receive assistance through LAP®, a member must
- Have been enrolled in LAP® at the time of the incident(s) giving rise to the need for assistance (e.g. CNO complaint); and
- Remain continuously enrolled without interruption until the case is fully resolved
If RNAO membership (and therefore LAP®) is cancelled or lapses, you will no longer be eligible for LAP® assistance — even if the issue (e.g., CNO complaint, employment matter) relates to events that occurred while you were previously a member.
PLP vs. LAP – Key Eligibility Differences
| Program | Eligibility Trigger | Ongoing Membership Required? |
|---|---|---|
|
PLP (Professional Liability Protection)
Automatic member benefit for RNs and NPs at no additional cost |
Must be registered with a Canadian nursing regulatory body and an RNAO member at the time of the nursing practice incident(s) that has given rise to a covered claim | ❌ RNAO membership at the time of the claim is not required |
|
LAP (Legal Assistance Program)
Optional for RNs and NPs $65/year |
Must be enrolled in LAP at the time of the nursing practice incident(s) that has given rise to the need for assistance and remain enrolled continuously until issue is resolved | ✅ RNAO & LAP membership must remain active without interruption |
This difference is important: PLP eligibility is tied to your status at the time of the nursing practice incident, whereas LAP eligibility depends on continuous enrollment in LAP from the time of the incident to the end of the case.
