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About CNO > Council & Committees   

 Last modified Dec. 22, 2004  

Elected Committee Member Role Description

Definition

Committee members are RNs and RPNs selected by their peers through regional elections. They are then appointed by Council to serve on specific statutory committees.

Elected committee members serve on all statutory committees except the Executive Committee. They may not act as chair of a statutory committees; however, they may act as chair of a committee panel.

Overall role

Committee members are elected and appointed to a statutory committee to make decisions which reflect CNO’s regulatory mandate of protecting the public interest.

They balance this responsibility with their knowledge of the nursing profession and the settings in which it is practised. They participate as full voting members of their statutory committees, and work with Council members in managing committee work in a timely and expeditious manner.

Specific expectations

In performing this function, elected committee members have a responsibility to:

Understand and fulfill their role

  • Demonstrate accountability to Council and the public through decision making in the public interest.
  • Identify and address conflict of interest situations as set out in the CNO policy.
  • Understand and identify cases in which prior knowledge may affect the ability to make a specific decision on the statutory committee.
  • Recognize and respect confidential information learned in the course of CNO activities.
  • Understand the division of roles and responsibilities of the statutory committee and staff.
  • Maintain constructive, collaborative and mutually respectful relations with other committee members and staff.

Possess the necessary knowledge

  • Acquire and apply knowledge of committee policies and procedures, including relevant legislation, and Council values and strategic directions.
  • Maintain a knowledge of issues relevant to the statutory committee.
  • Review all material in advance of committee meetings.
  • Identify information needed to enhance committee discussions and decision making.

Participate in Committee decision making

  • Arrange schedule to allow attendance at meetings.
  • Contribute constructively to committee discussions and decision making.
  • Maintain positive working relationships within the committee, including the chairperson, other members and relevant staff.
  • Resolve concerns about the committee with the chairperson.
  • Contribute to decision making by identifying to the committee relevant expertise or contacts.
  • Respect the specialized knowledge and expertise of other committee members and staff.
  • Identify issues to be added to the committee’s agenda.

Term of Office

The term of office is set in accordance with Sections 40 and 41 of the regulations related to the election of Council members and the appointment of committee members made under the Nursing Act (1991).

The term of office for committee members is three years, limited to two consecutive terms.

Appointment to statutory committees is one year with the option for reappointment. There is no limitation to the number of years a member may serve on any one committee.

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