My role in the system
- lmcdougall15
- Jan 25, 2023
- 2 min read
Updated: Feb 21, 2023
As a Registered Nurse in Ontario for my entire career, I have a great deal of experience with the regulatory bodies within my province.
When I was reflecting on this forum post, I began my thoughts with the obvious place to start - the College of Nurses of Ontario. When reviewing the regulatory requirements online, I located a Fact Sheet on the Canadian Nurses Association outlining the different bodies for the provinces. I was surprised to learn Ontario, British Columbia and Nova Scotia are the only provinces where all categories of nursing are regulated by a single body.
When I look more specifically at my current role in the system - Director of Quality and Patient Relations for a large community healthcare system made up of three separate and distinct hospitals, my search takes me to different resources. A large aspect of my current role is around the delivery of high-quality and safe care. Within that portfolio, I am responsible for any potential and legal claims within the organization. There are several resources I have researched, reviewed, and saved for reference during my transition to this role. They include the following focused on healthcare law. I have often considered expanding my knowledge in this area by pursuing a certificate in Healthcare Law.
Much of my role is focused on patient safety and quality reporting. The Excellent Care for All act and the Public Hospitals Act provide guidance, direction and legislative requirements associated with quality planning and reporting. These can be viewed via the following sources:
It has been difficult to function within these regulations given the impact of the COVID 19 pandemic. There has certainly been a pause on certain reporting requirements such as the publicly reported Quality Improvement Plan, however, organizations continue to focus on health system recovery. The engagement of patients and families in this decision making has been challenged with the strict limitations placed on personnel in the hospitals. It has been a welcome shift back to active collaboration with our patient and family advisors on the care we deliver within my organization.
Please let me know what your role is in the healthcare system by using this poll:
What is your role in the healthcare system?
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