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  Last modified Dec. 22, 2004  

Council Member Role Description

Definition

Council members fall into two categories: nurse and public member. Nurses (RNs and RPNs) are elected by their peers through regional elections for the purpose of carrying out the self-regulatory function. Public members are appointed by the Lieutenant-Governor-in-Council to bring the public perspective to Council discussions.

Overall Role

As the governing body of CNO, Council establishes the strategic direction for nursing self-regulation and sets regulatory policy.

Specific Expectations

In performing this function, Council members are expected to:

Understand and fulfill their role

  1. Demonstrate accountability to the public through decision-making in the public interest.
  2. Identify and address conflict of interest situations as set out in CNO policy.
  3. Understand and identify cases in which prior knowledge may affect the ability to make a specific decision on a statutory committee.
  4. Recognize and respect confidential information learned in the course of CNO activities.
  5. Understand the division of roles and responsibilities of governing board and staff.
  6. Maintain constructive, collaborative and mutually respectful relations with other Council members and staff.
  7. Maintain constructive relationships with statutory committee on which the member serves by supporting committee decisions at Council or through informing the chair of intention to take a dissenting position.
  8. Maintain good relations with membership, public, health care organizations, educational groups and government bodies in their regions.

Possess the necessary knowledge

  1. Acquire and apply knowledge of Council and committee policies and procedures, including relevant legislation, and Council values and strategic directions.
  2. Maintain a knowledge of College functions and issues facing Council.
  3. Maintain a knowledge of issues relevant to the committees on which they participate.
  4. Review all material in advance of Council and committee meetings.
  5. Identify information needed to enhance Council and committee discussions and decision-making.
  6. Communicate input of regional concerns to Council or committee.
  7. Interpret Council decisions and rationale to individuals and groups in their regions.

Effectively participate in Council decision making

  1. Arrange schedule to allow attendance at meetings.
  2. Contribute constructively to Council and committee discussions and decision making.
  3. Resolve concerns with the committee chairperson, Council President or Vice-Presidents.
  4. Contribute to decision making by identifying to Council or the Executive Director relevant expertise or contacts.
  5. Respect the specialized knowledge and expertise of other Council members and staff.
  6. Identify issues to be added to the Council or committee's agenda.
  7. Understand and follow the rules of order adopted by Council.

Term of office

The term of office, set in accordance with the regulations related to the election of Council members made under the Nursing Act (1991) is three years, and is limited to two consecutive terms.

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

Appointment to ad hoc committees is established through each committee's terms of reference.

 

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