Under RHPA, who is required to report concerns about a nurse?

• A. Anyone who works with a nurse
• B. Only physicians
• C. Only the nurse involved
• D. Only the employer

Answer: (A)

Under RHPA, concerns about a nurse should be reported to the regulatory college when there are reasonable grounds to believe the nurse has engaged in professional misconduct, is incompetent, or is incapacitated. The obligation to report is broad: it isn’t limited to physicians or the nurse’s employer. Anyone who works with the nurse—colleagues, supervisors, other health professionals, or any staff in the setting—has a duty to report to the College of Nurses of Ontario (or the applicable regulator). This broad requirement protects patients by enabling early detection and appropriate regulatory review, so the regulator can investigate and take action if needed.