The Health Professions Act and College of Registered Psychiatric Nurses of Alberta (CRPNA) Bylaws require that all Registered Psychiatric Nurses (RPNs) hold Professional Liability Insurance/Protection (PLI/PLP). The CRPNA Council has approved an amendment to Bylaw 7.4, making professional liability protection through the Canadian Nurses Protective Society (CNPS) mandatory for all CRPNA registrants.

Why Professional Liability Protection Matters

• Protection of the public: Ensures patients have access to compensation in cases of harm arising from negligent care.
• Protection of the psychiatric nurse: Professional liability protection generally includes, in the event of a claim for financial compensation, legal defence for the health care provider and the payment, on their behalf, of compensation awarded to a patient by the courts. In addition to professional liability protection, CNPS offers legal and risk management advice and education as well as legal representation for a wide range of investigations or legal proceedings arising from professional practice, at no additional cost. (Please see Professional Liability Protection and Core Services - Canadian Nurses Protective Society for more information.)
• Alignment with legal requirements: Ensures registrants meet regulatory standards and workplace expectations for professional liability protection.

CNPS Professional Liability Protection (PLP) is a mandatory condition to hold a practice permit for all registrants and new applicants. CNPS beneficiary status is integrated with CRPNAs online system, allowing real-time confirmation of PLP without the need to submit additional documents.

Independent/Self-Employed Practice

CNPS Professional Liability Protection (PLP) is a mandatory condition to hold a practice permit for all registrants. Registration with CNPS will meet the requirement for those in independent/self-employed practice.

In addition, RPNs in independent practice are advised to assess the need for additional business insurance coverage for themselves and/or their business. This can be done by consulting a legal advisor, a financial advisor, or a legal broker.