Sunday, September 1, 2024

Legal Assistance Program Coverage Upgraded

CLAC has made major improvements to its Professional Legal Assistance program for eligible members working in healthcare

To better serve members working in healthcare in Ontario, CLAC has implemented two important upgrades to its legal assistance program:

Coverage has increased from $15,000 to $30,000.
In addition to RNs and RPNs, the program will now also be available to registered PSWs.

What Does This Program Cover?

This program covers legal fees for registered staff who face legal action or must participate in a legal investigation for events connected to their work.

This program has supported many CLAC members over the years by providing access to quality legal representation at inquests or before the College of Nurses of Ontario (CNO).

Why the Changes?

Doubling the amount of protection to $30,000 will ensure that members can receive excellent legal advice and representation when dealing with matters regarding their professional conduct.

Also, as of December 2024, PSWs in Ontario can elect to register with the Health and Supportive Care Providers Oversight Authority (HSCPOA), which, like the CNO, is designed to protect the public and to recognize the PSW profession. As part of its role, HSCPOA will have the authority to investigate complaints against registered PSWs. To support these members, CLAC is expanding this program to cover PSWs who are registered with HSCPOA.

You and your fellow members work incredibly hard in environments where conflicts between caregivers and their patients can lead to scrutiny of your professional performance. As a union, we must ensure that you receive quality legal advice and representation to ensure due process and protection against injustice. We’re proud to stand by you with this enhanced and expanded legal assistance coverage.

As always, if you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to contact your CLAC steward o representative.

Legal Assistance Program Coverage Upgraded

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