What is the Nurses’ Health Program?

The Nurses’ Health Program (NHP) is a voluntary program for nurses focused on encouraging them to seek treatment for substance use and/or mental health disorders that may affect their ability to practice nursing safely. NHP promotes nurse wellness and patient safety by arranging a mental health and/or substance use assessment and, if necessary, the development of a health recovery and treatment plan and a health and workplace monitoring plan. NHP monitors nurses’ recovery so that nurses are supported to practice safely.

The program was developed in partnership by CNO, the Ontario Nurses’ Association (ONA), Registered Nurses’ Association of Ontario (RNAO) and Registered Practical Nurses Association of Ontario (WeRPN).

NHP is available to nurses registered with CNO in the General, Extended, Non-Practising, Temporary and Emergency classes and is operated independently by a third-party vendor. The program is available in English and French to nurses who reside in Ontario.

How can nurses in Ontario access NHP?

There are two ways to enter the program:

  • Self-referral: Nurses can learn more about the program and how to enroll by contacting NHP .
  • Referral by CNO: When CNO receives information that a nurse may have a substance use and/or mental health condition that impacts safe practice, CNO’s Registrar may direct a regulatory process called a health inquiry, which can result in a hearing before the Fitness to Practise Committee. Early in this process, CNO may write to the nurse to provide information about the option to enter the NHP.

Why does CNO offer NHP as an alternative to the regulatory process?

CNO’s purpose is to protect the public by promoting safe nursing practice. NHP supports this purpose by providing a voluntary program for nurses to have access to a mental health and/or substance use assessment, as well as the development of a health recovery and treatment plan and a health and workplace monitoring plan. Research indicates that programs like NHP are highly effective alternatives to a regulatory process in both supporting recovery and protecting the public.

Some of the benefits of these programs include:

  • earlier detection of health conditions
  • lower risk of relapse
  • higher rates of sustained recovery
  • support of nurses’ personal dignity and reduced stigma

With the right support and the opportunity for education, treatment, and recovery, nurses can continue, or return to, safe nursing practice.

Does NHP replace CNO’s regulatory process for nurses with a substance use or mental health condition?

NHP does not replace CNO’s health inquiry and Fitness to Practise regulatory process. CNO’s mandate is to protect the public. However, if a nurse enters NHP, CNO’s health processes are concluded and may not be needed to protect the public if the nurse completes the program.

If a nurse chooses not to enter NHP, or leaves or is removed from the program before completing it, the Registrar will consider the matter and decide whether a health inquiry is required.

What should employers expect when a nurse on their staff is enrolled in NHP?

With the nurse’s consent, NHP works with employers to support the nurse to continue working or to coordinate a safe return to work.

A nurse’s participation in NHP does not appear on CNO’s public register, Find a Nurse. However, if there is a regulatory process that results in terms, conditions or limitations on a nurse’s certificate of registration, those restrictions will appear on Find a Nurse.

If a nurse leaves NHP or does not complete the program, NHP will inform CNO and provide relevant information. CNO may then conduct a health inquiry process. CNO notifies employers if a nurse they employ has restrictions placed on their certificate of registration through a regulatory process.

NHP provides a guide for employers . Please contact NHP directly if you have questions about the program.

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