The Licensed Practical Nurses Act

The Licensed Practical Nurses Act, C.C.S.M. c. L125 (Assented to July 14, 1999) bilingual version (HTML) Table of Contents Section PART 1 DEFINITIONS 1 Definitions PART 2 PRACTICE OF PRACTICAL NURSING 2 Practice of practical nursing 3 Representation and use of titles PART 3 COLLEGE OF LICENSED PRACTICAL NURSES OF MANITOBA 4 College 5 Board 6 Composition of board PART 4 REGISTRATION 7 Registers 8 Registration of licensed practical nurses 9 Application for registration not approved 9.1 Registration if emergency 10 Appeal to board 11 Appeal to court 12 Registration of students 13 Certificate of registration 14 Cancellation of registration PART 5 CONTINUING COMPETENCE 15 Continuing competence PART 6 COMPLAINTS 16 Definitions INVESTIGATION COMMITTEE 17 Investigation committee 18 Complaints 19 Referral to investigation committee 20 Informal resolution 21 Investigation 22 Report to investigation committee 23 Decision of investigation committee 24 Conditions on registration 25 Censure 26 Voluntary surrender of registration 27 Appeal by complainant to board 28 Suspension of registration pending decision 29 Appeal of suspension 30 Referral to discipline committee 31 Disclosure of information to authorities DISCIPLINE COMMITTEE 32 Discipline committee 33 Panel 34 Hearing 35 Right to appear and be represented 36 Documentary evidence 37 Investigation of other matters 38 Hearing open to public 39 Evidence 40 Witnesses 41 Hearing in absence of investigated member 42 Findings of panel 43 Orders of panel 44 Costs and fines 45 Written decision 46 Publication of decision APPEAL TO COURT 47 Appeal to Court of Appeal 48 Powers of Court on appeal 49 Stay pending appeal REINSTATEMENT 50 Reinstatement PART 7 REGULATIONS, BY-LAWS AND CODE OF ETHICS 51 Regulations 52 By-laws 53 Code of ethics PART 8 GENERAL PROVISIONS 54 Practice auditors 55 Entry of premises and inspection of records 56 Service of documents 57 Executive director's certificate 58 Proof of conviction 59 Offences 60 Single act of unauthorized practice 61 Protection from liability 62 Repealed 63 Confidentiality of information 63.1 Information about members 64 Injunction 65 Duty of members to report 66 Employer's responsibility 67 Annual report PART 9 TRANSITIONAL, REPEAL AND COMING INTO FORCE 68 Transitional 69 Repeal 70 C.C.S.M. reference 71 Coming into force HER MAJESTY, by and with the advice and consent of the Legislative Assembly of Manitoba, enacts as follows: PART 1 DEFINITIONS Definitions 1 In this Act, "board" means the board of the college; (« Conseil ») "by-laws" means the by-laws of the college made under section 52; (« règlements administratifs ») "college" means the College of Licensed Practical Nurses of Manitoba; (« Ordre ») "court" means the Court of King's Bench; (« tribunal ») "executive director" means the executive director of the college appointed under this Act; (« directeur général ») "graduate practical nurse" means a person whose name is entered on the register of graduate practical nurses under this Act; (« infirmière auxiliaire diplômée ») "licensed practical nurse" means a person who is registered as a practising licensed practical nurse under this Act; (« infirmière auxiliaire ») "member" means a person registered under this Act; (« membre ») "minister" means the minister appointed by the Lieutenant Governor in Council to administer this Act; (« ministre ») "practical nursing education program" means a program approved by the board as a requirement for registration under this Act; (« programme de formation d'infirmières auxiliaires ») "public representative" means a person who is not and never has been registered under this Act and who is not a member of a health profession regulated by an Act of the Legislature for which the minister has statutory responsibility; (« représentant du public ») "register" means a register established under this Act; (« registre ») "regulations" means the regulations made under section 51. (« règlements ») PART 2 PRACTICE OF PRACTICAL NURSING Practice of practical nursing 2 The practice of practical nursing is the provision of nursing services for the purpose of assessing and treating health conditions, promoting health, preventing illness, and assisting individuals, families and groups to achieve an optimal state of health. Representation as a licensed practical nurse 3(1) No person except a licensed practical nurse shall (a) represent or hold out, expressly or by implication, that he or she is a licensed practical nurse or is entitled to engage in the practice of practical nursing as a licensed practical nurse; or (b) use any sign, display, title or advertisement implying that he or she is a licensed practical nurse. Use of titles 3(2) No person except a licensed practical nurse shall use the title "licensed practical nurse" or "practical nurse", a variation or abbreviation of those titles, or an equivalent in another language. PART 3 COLLEGE OF LICENSED PRACTICAL NURSES OF MANITOBA College established 4(1) The Manitoba Association of Licensed Practical Nurses is continued as a body corporate under the name College of Licensed Practical Nurses of Manitoba. Duty to serve the public interest 4(2) The college must carry out its activities and govern its members in a manner that serves and protects the public interest. Powers 4(3) The college has the capacity and, subject to this Act, the rights, powers and privileges of a natural person. Membership 4(4) The membership of the college consists of the persons whose names are on a register and who have paid the fees provided for in the by-laws. Meetings 4(5) A general meeting of the college shall be held at least once a year, and special general meetings of the college shall be held when the board considers it advisable. On receiving a written request signed by at least 5% of the members of the college entitled to vote, the board shall convene a special general meeting for the purpose specified in the request. Notice of meetings 4(6) Notice of the time and place of each meeting referred to in subsection (5) must be given to the members in accordance with the by-laws. Entitlement to vote 4(7) Every member who is a licensed practical nurse is entitled to vote at a meeting of the college. Public meetings 4(8) The college shall (a) permit members of the public to attend meetings of the college and the board, except where it considers that a private meeting is necessary in order to consider matters of a confidential nature or of a personal nature concerning an individual; (b) make its by-laws available to the public; and (c) hold public meetings, at the discretion of the board, to explain the role of the college and to invite public comment. Board 5(1) There is hereby established a governing body of the college called the board. Board to manage affairs 5(2) The board shall (a) manage and conduct the business and affairs of the college; and (b) exercise the rights, powers and privileges of the college in the name and on behalf of the college. Composition of board 6(1) The board is to consist of at least 12 persons who are either members of the college or public representatives. Public representatives 6(2) At least 1/3 of the members of the board must be public representatives. By-laws for election and appointment of members 6(3) Members of the board are to be appointed or elected in accordance with the by-laws. Officers 6(4) The members of the board shall elect from among themselves the officers of the college specified in the by-laws, in the manner and for the terms specified in the by-laws. Remuneration 6(5) The members of the board are to be paid such remuneration and expenses as the board may determine by by-law. Executive director and staff 6(6) The board shall appoint an executive director from among the members of the college and may appoint practice auditors and investigators for the purposes of this Act. Subject to the direction of the board, the executive director may appoint any other staff necessary to perform the work of the college. Committees 6(7) The board shall establish (a) a standing committee for the purpose of recruiting and selecting public representatives to serve on the board and committees of the college; (b) a standing committee for the purpose of approving practical nursing education programs; and (c) any other committee that the board considers necessary. PART 4 REGISTRATION REGISTERS Registers 7(1) Subject to the direction of the board, the executive director shall maintain the following registers: (a) a register of practising licensed practical nurses; (b) a register of graduate practical nurses; (c) a register of students; and (d) any other registers that are provided for in the regulations. Content of registers 7(2) The register of practising licensed practical nurses and graduate practical nurses must contain (a) the name, business address and business telephone number of every practising licensed practical nurse and graduate practical nurse; (b) the conditions imposed on every certificate of registration; (c) a notation of every cancellation and suspension of a certificate of registration; (d) the result of every disciplinary proceeding in which a panel has made a finding under section 42; and (e) information that the regulations specify as information to be kept in the register. Access to information 7(3) During normal business hours, a person may obtain the following information contained in the registers: (a) the information described in clauses (2)⁠(a) and (b); (b) the information described in clause (2)⁠(c) relating to a suspension that is in effect; (c) the results of every disciplinary proceeding completed within six years before the register was prepared or last updated (i) in which a member's certificate of registration was cancelled or suspended or had conditions imposed on it, or (ii) in which a member was required to pay a fine or attend to be censured; and (d) information designated as public in the regulations. APPLICATIONS FOR REGISTRATION Registration of licensed practical nurses 8(1) The executive director shall approve an application for registration as a licensed practical nurse if the applicant (a) is a graduate of a practical nursing education program or meets the competency requirements approved by the board; (b) has passed any examinations that the board may require; (c) establishes that his or her name has not been removed for cause from a register, in Canada or elsewhere, of persons authorized to (i) engage in the practice of practical nursing, registered nursing or psychiatric nursing, or (ii) practise as a nursing assistant; (d) establishes that he or she has not been suspended as a result of professional misconduct by a regulatory authority governing the practice of practical nursing, registered nursing, psychiatric nursing or nursing assistants in Canada or elsewhere; (e) pays the fees provided for in the by-laws; and (f) meets any other requirements set out in the regulations. Conditions 8(2) An approval may be made subject to any conditions that the executive director considers advisable. A member whose registration is subject to conditions shall practise only in accordance with those conditions. Entry in the register 8(3) The executive director shall enter in the appropriate register the name of a person whose application for registration is approved. Application for registration not approved 9 If the executive director does not approve an application for registration as a practising licensed practical nurse or a graduate practical nurse or approves such an application subject to conditions, he or she shall give notice to the applicant in writing, with reasons for the decision, and shall advise the applicant of the right to appeal the decision to the board. Registration if emergency 9.1(1) Despite anything in this Act or the regulations, the board may waive any requirements for registration under this Act and the regulations to allow a person who is authorized to practise practical nursing in another jurisdiction in Canada or the United States to practise practical nursing in the province during an emergency, if the minister gives the board written notice that (a) a public health emergency exists in all or part of the province; and (b) he or she has determined, after consulting with public health officials and any other persons that the minister considers advisable, that the services of a licensed practical nurse from outside the province are required to assist in dealing with the emergency. Emergency need not be declared 9.1(2) The board may exercise its authority under subsection (1) even if no emergency has been declared under an enactment of Manitoba or Canada. Certificate of registration 9.1(3) If necessary to carry out the intent of this section, the board may authorize the executive director to issue a certificate of registration to a person allowed to practise under subsection (1), on such terms and conditions as the board may determine. S.M. 2005, c. 39, s. 14 . APPEAL Appeal to board 10(1) A person whose application for registration as a practising licensed practical nurse or a graduate practical nurse is not approved by the executive director or whose application is approved subject to conditions may appeal the executive director's decision to the board. Notice 10(2) An appeal is to be made by filing a written notice of appeal with the board within 30 days after the person receives notice of the executive director's decision under section 9. The notice must specify the reasons for the appeal. Hearing 10(3) On receiving a notice of appeal, the board shall schedule an appeal, which must be held within 90 days after it receives the notice. The board shall give the applicant a written notice of the date, time and place of the appeal. Right to appear 10(4) An applicant who appeals a decision of the executive director is entitled to appear with counsel and make representations to the board at the appeal. Documentation 10(5) The executive director shall provide the board with a copy of the notice sent to the applicant under section 9 and with copies of the documents that the executive director considered in reaching the decision being appealed. Counsel to the board 10(6) The board may retain legal counsel to assist it. Decision by board 10(7) The board shall decide the appeal within 90 days after the hearing and may make any decision the executive director could have made. Notice of decision of appeal 10(8) Within 30 days after deciding the appeal, the board shall give the applicant written notice of its decision. Appeal to court 11(1) A person whose application for registration as a practising licensed practical nurse or as a graduate practical nurse is refused by the board or whose application is approved subject to conditions may appeal the decision to the court by filing a notice of appeal within 30 days after receiving notice of the board's decision under subsection 10(8). Appeal on record 11(2) An appeal shall be founded on the record of the proceedings before the board. Copy of documentation 11(3) At the request of the person appealing the board's decision, the executive director shall give the person, at the person's expense, a certified copy of the record of proceedings and any documents that the board considered in making its decision. Powers of court on appeal 11(4) On hearing an appeal, the court may (a) make any decision that in its opinion should have been made; or (b) refer the matter back to the board for further consideration in accordance with any direction of the court. REGISTRATION OF STUDENTS Registration of students 12(1) The executive director shall approve an application for registration as a student if the applicant (a) is a student engaged in a practical nursing education program approved by the college; (b) pays the fee provided for in the by-laws; and (c) meets any other requirements set out in the regulations. Appeal from refusal to register 12(2) A person whose application for registration as a student is refused under subsection (1) may appeal the refusal to the board, in which case section 10 applies, with necessary modifications. CERTIFICATE OF REGISTRATION Certificate of registration 13 A member on the register of practising licensed practical nurses or graduate practical nurses shall be issued a certificate of registration on payment of the fees provided for in the by-laws. The certificate of registration must state the type of registration and the date on which it expires, and must refer to any conditions or limitations imposed. CANCELLATION OF REGISTRATION Registration may be cancelled if fraud 14(1) If the executive director is satisfied on reasonable grounds that a person's registration has been obtained by means of a false or fraudulent representation or declaration, the executive director shall report the matter to the board, and the board may direct the executive director to cancel the person's certificate of registration. The executive director shall then cancel the certificate of registration and give the person written notice of that fact. Registration may be cancelled if member convicted 14(2) The board may direct the executive director to cancel the certificate of registration of a member who has been convicted of an offence that is relevant to his or her suitability to practise, but it must first notify the member that it intends to do so and give the member an opportunity to make representations. Appeal 14(3) A member whose certificate of registration is cancelled under this section may appeal the cancellation to the court, in which case section 11 applies, with necessary modifications. PART 5 CONTINUING COMPETENCE Continuing competence program 15 The board shall establish a continuing competence program which shall provide for supervision of the practice of licensed practical nursing by members. The program may provide for, but is not limited to, (a) reviewing the professional competence of members; (b) conducting practice audits in accordance with this Act; and (c) requiring members to participate in programs for ensuring competence. PART 6 COMPLAINTS Definitions 16 In this Part, "conduct" includes an act or omission; (« conduite ») "investigated member" means a member or a former member who is the subject of an investigation or whose conduct is the subject of a hearing held under this Part. (« membre faisant l'objet de l'enquête ») INVESTIGATION COMMITTEE Investigation committee 17(1) The board shall appoint an investigation committee consisting of (a) a member of the college who shall be the chair of the committee; and (b) other members of the college and public representatives appointed from time to time. Public representatives 17(2) At least 1/3 of the persons appointed to the investigation committee must be public representatives. Complaints against members 18(1) Any person may make a complaint in writing to the executive director about the conduct of a member, and the complaint shall be dealt with in accordance with this Part. Complaints against former members 18(2) If, after a member's registration is cancelled, suspended or not renewed under this Act, (a) a complaint is made about the former member; and (b) the complaint relates to conduct occurring before the cancellation, suspension or non-renewal occurred; the complaint may, notwithstanding the cancellation, suspension or non-renewal, be dealt with within five years from the date of the cancellation, suspension or non-renewal as if the former member's registration were still in effect. Referral to investigation committee 19 The executive director shall refer to the investigation committee (a) a complaint made under section 18; and (b) any other matter that the executive director considers appropriate. Informal resolution 20 On referral of a complaint or other matter to the investigation committee, the investigation committee may attempt to resolve it informally if the committee considers informal resolution to be appropriate. Investigation 21(1) If informal resolution of a complaint has been attempted and the complaint is not resolved to the complainant's satisfaction, the investigation committee shall direct that an investigation into the conduct of the member be held and shall appoint an investigator to conduct the investigation. The committee may also direct an investigation and appoint an investigator in respect of any complaint or other matter that is referred to it if the committee considers it appropriate to do so. Legal counsel and experts 21(2) An investigator may engage legal counsel and employ any other experts that the investigator considers necessary. Records and information 21(3) An investigator appointed under subsection (1) may (a) require the investigated member or any other member to produce to the investigator any records, documents and things in his or her possession or under his or her control that may be relevant to the investigation; (b) require the investigated member or any other member to attend before the investigator to be interviewed; and (c) direct an inspection or audit of the practice of the investigated member. Failure to produce records 21(4) The college may apply to the court for an order (a) directing any member to produce to the investigator any records, documents and things in his or her possession or under his or her control, if it is shown that the member failed to produce them when required to do so by the investigator; or (b) directing any person to produce to the investigator any records, documents and things in his or her possession or under his or her control that are or may be relevant to the complaint being investigated. Investigation of other matters 21(5) The investigator may investigate any other matter related to the professional conduct or the skill in practice of the member that arises in the course of the investigation. Report to investigation committee 22 On concluding the investigation, the investigator shall report his or her findings to the investigation committee. DECISION OF INVESTIGATION COMMITTEE Decision of investigation committee 23(1) The investigation committee may, after review or investigation, (a) direct that the matter be referred, in whole or in part, to the discipline committee; (b) direct that no further action be taken; (c) accept the voluntary surrender of the member's certificate of registration; (d) censure the member if (i) at least one member of the committee has met with the member and the member has agreed to accept the censure, and (ii) the committee has determined that no action is to be taken against the member other than the censure; (e) refer the matter to mediation if the committee determines that the complaint is strictly a matter of concern to the complainant and the member and both parties agree to mediation; or (f) enter into an agreement with the member or accept an undertaking from the member that provides for one or more of the following: (i) assessing the member's capacity or fitness to practise practical nursing, (ii) counselling or treatment of the member, (iii) monitoring or supervising the member's practice of practical nursing, (iv) the member's completing a specified course of remedial study, (v) placing conditions on the member's certificate of registration; (g) take any other action that it considers appropriate in the circumstances and that is not inconsistent with or contrary to this Act or the regulations or by-laws. Matter not resolved by mediation 23(2) If a matter referred for mediation under clause (1)⁠(e) cannot be resolved, it must be referred back to the investigation committee, which may make any other decision under subsection (1) that it considers appropriate. Decision served on member and complainant 23(3) The investigation committee shall give the member and the complainant a written notice setting out its decision and the reasons for the decision. Hearing not required 23(4) Except as required by clause (1)⁠(d), the investigation committee is not required to hold a hearing or give any person an opportunity to appear or to make formal submissions before making a decision under this section. Counsel to the investigation committee 23(5) The investigation committee may retain legal counsel to assist it. Conditions on registration 24(1) If the investigation committee enters into an agreement with a member or accepts a member's undertaking for conditions on the member's right to practise practical nursing under subclause 23(1)⁠(f)⁠(v), those conditions may include the conditions referred to in subsection 26(3). Costs 24(2) The investigation committee may order the member to pay all or part of the costs incurred by the college in monitoring compliance with conditions imposed on a member's right to practise practical nursing under an agreement entered into under subclause 23(1)⁠(f)⁠(v). It may also order the member to pay all or part of the costs of the investigation. CENSURE Personal appearance 25(1) The investigation committee may require a member who is censured under clause 23(1)⁠(d) to appear personally to be censured before the committee. Publication of censure 25(2) The investigation committee may publish the fact that a member has been censured, and publication may include the member's name and a description of the circumstances that led to the censure. Order for costs 25(3) The investigation committee may order a member who is censured to pay all or part of the costs of the investigation. VOLUNTARY SURRENDER OF REGISTRATION Voluntary surrender of registration 26(1) If the investigation committee accepts a voluntary surrender of a member's certificate of registration under clause 23(1)⁠(c), it may direct the member to do one or more of the following to the satisfaction of any person or committee that the investigation committee may determine, before the member's registration may be reinstated: (a) obtain counselling or treatment; (b) complete a specified course of studies; (c) obtain supervised experience. Order for costs 26(2) The investigation committee may direct the member to pay any costs incurred by the college in monitoring compliance with a direction given under subsection (1) and to pay all or part of the costs of the investigation up to the time that the voluntary surrender takes effect. Conditions on re-instatement 26(3) A voluntary surrender remains in effect until the investigation committee is satisfied that the conduct or complaint that was the subject of the investigation has been resolved, at which time the committee may impose conditions on the member's entitlement to practise practical nursing, including conditions that the member do one or more of the following: (a) limit his or her practice; (b) practise under supervision; (c) not engage in sole practice; (d) permit periodic audits of his or her practice; (e) permit periodic audits of records; (f) report to the committee or the executive director on specific matters; (g) comply with any other conditions that the committee considers appropriate in the circumstances; and may order the member to pay all or any part of the costs incurred by the college in monitoring compliance with those conditions. APPEAL BY COMPLAINANT Appeal by complainant to board 27(1) When the investigation committee makes a decision under clause 23(1)⁠(b), (c) or (f), the complainant may appeal the decision to the board. Notice 27(2) An appeal is to be made by mailing a written notice of appeal to the executive director within 30 days after the date the complainant is notified of the investigation committee decision under subsection 23(3). Power on appeal 27(3) On an appeal under this section, the board shall do one or more of the following: (a) make any decision that in its opinion ought to have been made by the investigation committee; (b) quash, vary or confirm the decision of the investigation committee; (c) refer the matter back to the investigation committee for further consideration in accordance with any direction that the board may make. Notice of decision 27(4) The board shall give the member and the complainant a written notice setting out its decision and the reasons for the decision. Hearing not required 27(5) The board is not required to hold a hearing or to afford to any person an opportunity to appear or to make oral submissions before making a decision under this section, but the board shall give the investigated member and the complainant an opportunity to make a written submission. SUSPENSION OF REGISTRATION PENDING DECISION Suspension of registration pending decision 28(1) Notwithstanding anything in this Act, the investigation committee may, when there is a question that a member's conduct exposes or is likely to expose the public to serious risk, direct the executive director to suspend the member's certificate of registration or place conditions on his or her practice of practical nursing pending the outcome of proceedings under this Part. Notice of suspension or conditions 28(2) On receiving a direction under subsection (1), the executive director shall promptly serve a notice of the suspension or the conditions of practice on the member and, where appropriate, the member's employer. Appeal of suspension or conditions 29(1) A member whose certificate of registration is suspended or has conditions of practice placed on it under subsection 28(1) may, by notice in writing to the executive director, appeal the suspension or imposition of conditions to the board. Hearing by board 29(2) The board shall hold a hearing within 30 days after receiving notice of appeal from the executive director. Right to appear and be represented 29(3) The college and the member may appear and be represented by counsel at a hearing before the board and the board may have counsel to assist it. Powers on appeal 29(4) On an appeal under this section, the board shall decide whether the suspension or conditions of practice are to be quashed, varied or confirmed and may make an order as to any costs that may arise from its decision. Application for stay 29(5) The member may, by filing an application with the court and serving a copy on the executive director, apply for an order of the court staying a decision of the investigation committee to suspend the member's certificate of registration or to place conditions under section 28 pending the outcome of proceedings under this Part. MISCELLANEOUS Referral to discipline committee 30 Notwithstanding any other action it may have taken, with the exception of a censure, the investigation committee may at any time refer the conduct or complaint that was the subject of the investigation to the discipline committee. Disclosure of information to authorities 31 Notwithstanding any other provision of this Act, the investigation committee may disclose to a law enforcement authority any information respecting possible criminal activity on the part of a member that is obtained during an investigation into the member's conduct. DISCIPLINE COMMITTEE Discipline committee 32(1) The board shall appoint a discipline committee consisting of (a) a licensed practical nurse who is a member of the college, who is to be the chair; and (b) other members of the college, former members of the college, public representatives and other persons appointed from time to time. Public representatives 32(2) At least 1/3 of the persons appointed to the discipline committee must be public representatives. Selection of panel 33(1) Within 30 days after a matter is referred to the discipline committee, the chair shall select a panel from among the members of the discipline committee to hold a hearing. Composition 33(2) A panel is to be composed of at least three members, one of whom must be a public representative. Exclusion from panel 33(3) No person may be selected for a panel who has taken part in the review or investigation of what is to be the subject-matter of the panel's hearing. Effect of member being unable to continue 33(4) If a hearing has begun and a member of the panel is unable to continue to sit as a member, the panel may complete the hearing if at least three members remain and one of them is a public representative. HEARING Hearing 34(1) When a panel is selected, it shall hold a hearing. Date of hearing 34(2) A hearing must begin within 120 days after the date on which the matter is referred to the discipline committee, unless the investigated member consents in writing to a later date. Notice of hearing 34(3) At least 30 days before the date of the hearing, the executive director shall serve a notice of hearing on the investigated member and the complainant stating the date, time and place of the hearing and identifying in general terms the complaint or matter about which the hearing will be held. Public notice of hearing 34(4) The executive director may issue a public notice of the hearing in any manner he or she considers appropriate, but the notice must not include the name of the investigated member. Right to appear and be represented 35(1) The college and the investigated member may appear and be represented by counsel at a hearing, and the panel may have counsel to assist it. Adjournments 35(2) The chair of the panel may adjourn a hearing from time to time. Recording of evidence 35(3) The oral evidence given at a hearing must be recorded. Member may examine documentary evidence 36(1) Before the day of the hearing, an investigated member must be given opportunity to examine any written or documentary evidence that will be produced and any report the contents of which will be given in evidence at the hearing. Member to provide documentary evidence 36(2) If the member intends to rely on any written or documentary evidence or any report at the hearing, he or she shall provide a copy of that evidence or report to the college before the day of the hearing. Evidence of expert without report 36(3) If either the member or the college intends to call an expert as a witness at the hearing and there is no report from the expert, a summary of the expert's intended evidence, including his or her findings, opinions and conclusions, must be provided to the other party before the day of the hearing. Failure to provide summary 36(4) If the summary is not provided in accordance with subsection (3), the expert may testify at the hearing only with the leave of the panel. Investigation of other matters 37 The panel may investigate and hear any other matter concerning the conduct of the investigated member that arises in the course of its proceedings. In that event, the panel shall declare its intention to investigate the further matter and permit the member sufficient opportunity to prepare a response. Hearings open to public 38(1) A hearing shall be open to the public unless the panel is satisfied that (a) matters involving public security may be disclosed; (b) financial or personal or other matters may be disclosed at the hearing that are of such a nature that the desirability of avoiding public disclosure of those matters in the interest of any person affected or in the public interest outweighs the desirability of adhering to the principle that meetings be open to the public; (c) a person involved in a criminal proceeding or a civil suit or proceeding may be prejudiced; or (d) the safety of a person may be jeopardized. Exclusion of public 38(2) If the panel is satisfied that the hearing is required to be closed, it may make an order that the public be excluded from the hearing or any part of it, and it may make other orders it considers necessary to prevent the public disclosure of matters disclosed at the hearing, including orders banning the publication or broadcasting of those matters. Public information may be disclosed 38(3) No order shall be made under subsection (2) that prevents the publication of anything that is contained in the register and available to the public. Exclusion of public during certain motions 38(4) The panel may make an order that the public be excluded from the part of a hearing dealing with a motion for an order under subsection (2). Orders with respect to matters in submissions 38(5) The panel may make any order necessary to prevent the public disclosure of matters disclosed in the submissions relating to any motion described in subsection (4), including prohibiting the publication or broadcasting of those matters. Reasons for excluding public to be available 38(6) The panel shall ensure that any order it makes under this section and its reasons are available to the public in writing. Reconsidering of order to exclude public, etc. 38(7) The panel may reconsider an order made under subsection (2) at the request of any person or on its own motion. Oral and affidavit evidence 39(1) Evidence may be given at a hearing of a panel either orally or by affidavit or both, but a member's registration cannot be suspended or cancelled on affidavit evidence alone. Oral evidence 39(2) At a hearing, the oral evidence of witnesses must be taken on oath or affirmation, and the parties shall have the right to cross-examine witnesses and call evidence in defence and reply. Power to administer oaths and affirmations 39(3) For the purpose of an investigation or hearing under this Act, the executive director and the chair of the panel have the power to administer oaths and affirmations. Witnesses 40(1) Any person, other than the investigated member, who in the opinion of the panel has knowledge of the complaint or matter being heard is a compellable witness in any proceeding before the panel. Notice to attend and produce records 40(2) The attendance of witnesses before the panel and the production of records may be enforced by a notice issued by the executive director requiring the witness to attend and stating the date, time and place at which the witness is to attend and the records, if any, that the witness is required to produce. Executive director to provide notices 40(3) On the written request of the member or his or her counsel or agent, the executive director shall provide any notices that the member requires for the attendance of witnesses or the production of records. Witness fees 40(4) A witness, other than the member, who has been served with a notice to attend or a notice for production of records under this section is entitled to be paid the same fees in the same manner as a witness in an action in the court. Failure to attend or give evidence 40(5) Proceedings for civil contempt of court may be brought against a witness (a) who fails to attend before the panel in compliance with a notice to attend; (b) who fails to produce any records in compliance with a notice to produce them; or (c) who refuses to be sworn or to affirm or to answer any question he or she is directed to answer by the panel. Hearing in absence of investigated member 41 The panel, on proof of service on the investigated member of the notice of hearing, may (a) proceed with the hearing in the absence of the member or his or her agent; and (b) act, decide or report on the matter being heard in the same way as if the member were in attendance. DECISION OF PANEL Findings of panel 42 If, at the conclusion of a hearing, the panel finds that the member (a) is guilty of professional misconduct; (b) has contravened this Act or the regulations, by-laws or code of ethics of the college; (c) has been found guilty of an offence that is relevant to the member's suitability to practise; (d) has displayed a lack of knowledge or lack of skill or judgment in the practice of practical nursing; (e) has demonstrated an incapacity or unfitness to practise practical nursing; (f) is suffering from an ailment that might, if the member continues to practise, constitute a danger to the public; or (g) is guilty of conduct unbecoming a member; it shall deal with the member in accordance with this Act. Orders of panel 43(1) If the panel makes any of the findings described in section 42, it may make one or more of the following orders: (a) reprimand the member; (b) suspend the member's certificate of registration for a stated period; (c) suspend the member's certificate of registration until he or she has completed a specified course of studies or supervised practical experience, or both, to the satisfaction of any person or committee that the panel may determine; (d) accept, in place of the suspension of the certificate of registration, the member's undertaking to limit his or her practice; (e) impose conditions on the member's entitlement to practise practical nursing, including conditions that he or she (i) practise under supervision, (ii) permit periodic inspections of his or her practice by a person authorized by the panel to carry out inspections, (iii) permit periodic audits of records, (iv) report to the investigation committee or the executive director on specified matters, (v) not engage in sole practice; (f) require the member to satisfy any person or committee that the panel may determine that a disability or addiction can be or has been overcome, and suspend the member's certificate of registration until the person or committee is satisfied; (g) require the member to take counselling or treatment; (h) direct the member to waive, reduce or repay money paid to the member that, in the opinion of the panel, was unjustified for any reason; (i) cancel the member's certificate of registration. Panel may consider censure 43(2) To assist the panel in making an order under this section, the panel may be advised of any censure or order previously issued to the member and the circumstances under which it was issued. Ancillary orders 43(3) The panel may make any ancillary order that is appropriate or required in connection with an order mentioned in subsection (1) or may make any other order that it considers appropriate in the circumstances, including an order that (a) a further or new investigation be held into any matter; or (b) a panel be convened to hear a complaint without an investigation. Costs when conditions imposed 43(4) If the panel imposes conditions on a member's entitlement to practise practical nursing under clause (1)⁠(e), it may also order the member to pay all or any part of the costs incurred by the college in monitoring compliance with those conditions. Contravention of order 43(5) If the board is satisfied that a member has contravened an order made under subsection (1), it may, without a further hearing, cancel the member's certificate of registration. Suspension or cancellation or registration 43(6) If a member's certificate of registration is suspended or cancelled by an order under subsection (1), the member shall not practise practical nursing during the period of the suspension or cancellation. Costs and fines 44(1) The panel may, in addition to or instead of dealing with the member's conduct in accordance with section 43, order that the member pay to the college, within the time set by the order, (a) all or part of the costs of the investigation, hearing and appeal; (b) a fine not exceeding $10,000.; or (c) both the costs under clause (a) and the fine under clause (b). Nature of costs 44(2) The costs referred to in subsection (1) may include, but are not limited to, (a) all disbursements incurred by the college, including (i) fees and expenses for experts, investigators and auditors whose reports or attendances were reasonably necessary for the investigation or hearing, (ii) fees, travel costs and reasonable expenses of any witnesses required to appear at the hearing, (iii) fees for retaining a reporter and preparing transcripts of the proceedings, and (iv) costs of service of documents, long distance telephone and facsimile charges, courier delivery charges and similar miscellaneous expenses; (b) payments made to members of the panel or the investigation committee; and (c) costs incurred by the college in providing counsel for the college and the panel, whether or not counsel is employed by the college. Failure to pay costs and fines by time ordered 44(3) If the member is ordered to pay a fine or costs or both under subsection (1) or under subsection 43(4) and fails to pay within the time ordered, the executive director may immediately suspend the member's certificate of registration until payment is made. Filing of order 44(4) The college may file an order under subsection (1) in the court, and on filing the order may be enforced in the same manner as a judgment of the court. Written decision 45(1) Within 90 days following the completion of a hearing, the panel shall make a written decision on the matter consisting of the reasons for its decision and a statement of any order made by it. Decision forwarded to executive director 45(2) The panel shall forward to the executive director (a) the decision; and (b) any record of the proceedings and all exhibits and documents. Service of decision 45(3) On receiving the decision and record, the executive director shall serve a copy on the member and the complainant. Copies of transcript 45(4) The member may examine the record of the proceedings before the panel, and is entitled to receive, on payment of the cost of providing it, a transcript of the oral evidence given before the panel. Publication of decision 46 Notwithstanding that any proceeding or part of a proceeding under this Part may have been held in private, the college may, after the expiration of any appeal period, publish the circumstances relevant to the findings and any order of the panel. If the panel makes an order against the member under section 43 or 44, the college may also publish the member's name. APPEAL TO COURT Appeal to Court of Appeal 47(1) A member in respect of whom a finding or order is made by the panel under section 42, 43 or 44 may appeal the finding or order to the Court of Appeal. Commencement of appeal 47(2) An appeal must be commenced (a) by filing a notice of appeal; and (b) by giving a copy of the notice of appeal to the executive director; within 30 days after the date on which the decision of the panel is served on the member. Appeal on the record 47(3) An appeal must be founded on the record of the hearing before the panel and the decision of the panel. Powers of Court on appeal 48 On hearing the appeal, the Court of Appeal may (a) make any finding or order that in its opinion ought to have been made; (b) quash, vary or confirm the decision of the panel or any part of it; or (c) refer the matter back to the panel for further consideration in accordance with any direction of the Court. Stay pending appeal 49 The decision and any order of the panel remains in effect pending an appeal unless the Court of Appeal, on application, stays the decision and any order pending the appeal. REINSTATEMENT Reinstatement 50 The board may, on application by a person whose certificate of registration has been cancelled, direct the executive director to reinstate the person's name in the register, subject to any conditions that the board may impose, and may order the person to pay any costs arising from the imposition of such conditions. PART 7 REGULATIONS, BY-LAWS AND CODE OF ETHICS Regulations 51(1) The board may make regulations (a) respecting registration under Part 4, including establishing the qualifications, experience and other requirements to be met by applicants for registration, renewal of registration and reinstatement of registration; (b) respecting the establishment, content and maintenance of registers under section 7 and, for the purpose of clause 7(3)⁠(d), designating information contained in a register that may be made public;

(c) respecting the cancellation of a member's certificate of registration for non-payment of fees and the re-instatement of a member's registration when outstanding fees are paid; (d) defining by education, experience or otherwise, general or specialized areas of practical nursing practice; (e) respecting standards for the practice of practical nursing; (f) controlling the manner in which a member may describe his or her qualifications or occupation and prohibiting the use of any term, title or designation that in the opinion of the board is calculated to mislead the public; (g) respecting continuing competence programs; (h) requiring members to carry professional liability coverage and governing the coverage required to be carried; (i) respecting standards for practical nursing education programs including re-entry programs, continuing education programs and advanced practical nursing education programs. Consultation with members 51(2) Before making a regulation under subsection (1), the board shall (a) provide a copy of the proposed regulation to members for their review and comment; and (b) review and consider the comments received. Approval of regulations by Cabinet 51(3) A regulation made by the board under subsection (1) does not come into force until it is approved by the Lieutenant Governor in Council. By-laws 52(1) The board may make by-laws (a) for the government of the college and the management and conduct of its affairs; (b) respecting the calling and conduct of meetings of the college and the board; (c) respecting the nomination, election and number of board members and officers of the college, the filling of vacancies on the board and the appointment of ex officio members of the board, and prescribing the term of office and the duties and functions of those members, officers and ex officio members; (d) providing for the procedures for the election of members to the board; (e) providing for the division of the province into districts and prescribing the number of board members to be elected from each district; (f) establishing classes of members and governing the rights, privileges and obligations of each class; (g) governing the number of members that constitutes a quorum at meetings of the college and the board; (h) governing the operation, proceedings and quorum of the investigation committee and the discipline committee, the appointment of acting members and ex officio members and the procedures for filling vacancies, and prescribing the terms of office, duties and functions of ex officio members; (i) setting remuneration, fees and expenses payable to members of the board or of committees established under this Act, the regulations or the by-laws for attending to the business of the college; (j) prescribing the fees payable by members and by applicants for registration and renewal of registration or the manner of determining such fees; (k) prescribing administrative or other fees related to registration payable by members and by applicants for registration or the manner of determining such fees; (l) respecting the holding of votes on any matter relating to the college, including voting by mail or any other method; (m) governing the establishment, operation and proceedings of committees, the appointment and revocation of members and ex officio or acting members of those committees and the procedures for filling vacancies on those committees; (n) providing for the appointment and remuneration of officers and other employees of the college and prescribing their duties and functions; (o) respecting the procedures for the review of regulations and by-laws by the members; (p) authorizing the board or the executive director to prescribe the form of a certificate of registration and any other form or document that may be required for the purposes of this Act, the regulations or the by-laws. Consultation with members 52(2) Before making a by-law under subsection (1), the board shall (a) provide a copy of the proposed by-law to members for their review and comment; and (b) review and consider the comments received. Period of effectiveness 52(3) A by-law under clause (1)⁠(c), (d), (e) or (j) is effective only until the next general or special meeting of the college, and ceases to have effect unless it is confirmed or varied by a majority of the members present and voting at the meeting. Code of ethics 53 The college may, by resolution passed at a general meeting, adopt a code of ethics governing the conduct of members. PART 8 GENERAL PROVISIONS PRACTICE AUDITORS Appointment of practice auditors 54(1) The board may appoint one or more practice auditors for the purposes of this Act and the regulations and by-laws. Audit of a practical nursing practice 54(2) The practice auditor may review the operation of a member's practice and shall report his or her findings to the executive director on the conclusion of each audit. Entry of premises and inspection of records 55(1) For the purpose of enforcing and administering this Act and the regulations, a practice auditor may at any reasonable time, and when requested, upon presentation of an identification card issued by the board, (a) without a warrant, enter the office of a member and make such inspections as may be reasonably required to determine compliance with this Act and the regulations; (b) require the production by the member of any record that the practice auditor reasonably considers necessary for the purpose of enforcing this Act and the regulations; (c) inspect and, upon giving a receipt, remove records or things relevant to the inspection for the purpose of making copies or extracts; and (d) remove substances and things for examination or test upon giving a receipt. Admissibility of copies 55(2) A copy of a record made under clause (1)⁠(c) and certified to be a true copy by the practice auditor is, in the absence of evidence to the contrary, admissible in evidence in any proceeding or prosecution as proof of the original record and its contents. Entry with order 55(3) When a justice is satisfied by information under oath that there are reasonable grounds for believing that it is necessary for a practice auditor to enter a building, vehicle or other place for the enforcement of this Act or the regulations and (a) a reasonable, unsuccessful effort to effect entry without the use of force has been made; or (b) there are reasonable grounds for believing that entry would be denied without a warrant; the justice may at any time, and if necessary upon application without notice, issue an order authorizing the practice auditor and such other persons as may be named in the order, with such peace officers as are required to assist, to enter the building or other place and to take such action as a practice auditor may take under subsection (1). Obstruction of practice auditor 55(4) No person shall obstruct a practice auditor or withhold from a practice auditor, or conceal or destroy any records, documents, substances or things relevant to an audit. SERVICE OF DOCUMENTS Service of documents 56(1) A notice, order or other document under this Act or the regulations is sufficiently given or served if it is (a) delivered personally; or (b) sent by registered mail, or by another service that provides the sender with proof of delivery, to the intended recipient at that person's last address appearing in the records of the college. Deemed receipt 56(2) A notice, order or other document sent by registered mail is deemed to be given or served five days after the day it was sent. EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR'S CERTIFICATE Executive director's certificate 57 A certificate purporting to be signed by the executive director and stating that a named person was or was not, on a specified day or during a specified period, (a) a member of the college; or (b) an officer, investigator or practice auditor of the college or a member of the board or of a committee or board established under this Act, the regulations or the by-laws; is, in the absence of evidence to the contrary, admissible in evidence in all courts and tribunals as proof of the facts stated in it without proof of the executive director's appointment or signature. PROOF OF CONVICTION Proof of conviction 58 For the purpose of proceedings under this Act, a certified copy under the seal of the court or signed by the convicting judge or the clerk of the Provincial Court, of the conviction of a person for any crime or offence under the Criminal Code (Canada) or under any other Act or regulation is conclusive evidence that the person has committed the crime or offence stated, unless it is shown that the conviction has been quashed or set aside. OFFENCES Offence 59(1) A person who contravenes a provision of this Act or the regulations, other than section 63 of this Act, is guilty of an offence and is liable on summary conviction (a) for a first offence, to a fine of not more than $5,000.; and (b) for a second or subsequent offence, to a fine of not more than $15,000. Offence 59(2) A person who contravenes section 63 is guilty of an offence and is liable on summary conviction to a fine of not more than $50,000. Fraudulent representation on application for registration 59(3) A person who obtains, or attempts to obtain, registration as a member of the college under this Act by making a false or fraudulent representation or declaration, either orally or in writing, and any person who knowingly assists in making such a representation or declaration, is guilty of an offence and is liable on summary conviction to a fine of not more than $10,000. Offence by employer 59(4) If the employer of a member knowingly permits the member to fail to comply with a condition of the member's certificate of registration, the employer is guilty of an offence and is liable on summary conviction to a fine of not more than $10,000. Limitation on prosecution 59(5) A prosecution under this Act may be commenced within two years after the commission of the alleged offence, but not afterwards. Prosecution of offence 59(6) Any person may be a prosecutor or complainant in the prosecution of an offence under this Act, and the government may pay to the prosecutor a portion of any fine recovered, in an amount that it considers appropriate, toward the costs of the prosecution. Stay of proceedings 59(7) When the college is the prosecutor of an offence under this Act, it may apply for a stay of proceedings in the prosecution, and the court shall grant the stay. Single act of unauthorized practice 60 In any prosecution under this Act it is sufficient to prove that the accused has done or committed a single act of unauthorized practice, or has committed on one occasion any of the acts prohibited by this Act. PROTECTION FROM LIABILITY Protection from liability 61 No action lies against the college, the board, the executive director, a person conducting an investigation, a practice auditor, a member of a committee or board established under this Act or the regulations or by-laws, or any employee, officer or person acting on the instructions of any of them, for anything done by the person in good faith in the performance or intended exercise of any power under this Act or the regulations or by-laws or for any neglect or default in the performance or exercise in good faith of such a duty or power. 62 [Repealed] S.M. 2021, c. 44, s. 39 . CONFIDENTIALITY OF INFORMATION Confidentiality of information 63 Subject to section 63.1, every person employed, appointed or retained for the purpose of administering this Act, and every member of the board or a committee of the board, shall preserve secrecy about all information that comes to his or her knowledge in the course of his or her duties, and shall not communicate any information to any other person, except (a) to the extent the information is available to the public, or is required to be disclosed, under this Act; (b) in connection with the administration of this Act, including, but not limited to, the registration of members, complaints about members, allegations of members' incapacity, unfitness, incompetence or acts of professional misconduct, or the governing of the profession; (c) to a body that governs the practice of a health profession pursuant to an Act of the Legislature, to the extent the information is required in order for that body to carry out its mandate under the Act; or (d) to a body that governs the practice of practical nursing in a jurisdiction other than Manitoba. S.M. 2005, c. 39, s. 15 . Executive director to collect information 63.1(1) In addition to any other information maintained in administering this Act, the executive director must collect and record each member's (a) date of birth; (b) sex; and (c) education or training, as required for registration and renewal of registration. Member to provide information 63.1(2) A member must provide the executive director with the information required under subsection (1), in the form and at the time set by the executive director. Minister may require information 63.1(3) The minister may request in writing that the executive director provide information on members — including personal information — contained in the register or collected under subsection (1), to establish and maintain an electronic registry of health service providers to be used for the following purposes: (a) to validate the identity of a provider seeking access to a patient's personal health information maintained in electronic form; (b) to generate information — in non-identifying form — for statistical purposes. Executive director to provide information to minister 63.1(4) The executive director must provide the minister with the information — including personal information — requested under subsection (3), in the form and at the time set by the minister after consulting with the executive director. Minister may disclose information 63.1(5) Despite any other provision of this Act or any provision of another Act or a regulation, the minister may (a) disclose — in non-identifying form — information provided under subsection (4) to any entity authorized to receive it under subsection (6); and (b) impose conditions respecting the use, retention and further disclosure of the information. An entity must comply with any conditions imposed by the minister. Authorized entities 63.1(6) The following entities are authorized to receive information — in non-identifying form — under subsection (5): (a) a health authority as defined in The Health System Governance and Accountability Act ; (b) Regional Health Authorities of Manitoba, Inc.; (c) [repealed] S.M. 2021, c. 15, s. 94 ; (d) The Manitoba Centre for Health Policy; (e) a government or organization with which the Government of Manitoba has entered into an agreement to share information for the purposes stated in subsection (3). S.M. 2005, c. 39, s. 16 ; S.M. 2021, c. 15, s. 94 . INJUNCTION Injunction 64 The court, on application by the board, may grant an injunction enjoining any person from doing any act that contravenes Part 2, notwithstanding any penalty that may be provided by this Act in respect of that contravention. DUTY OF MEMBERS TO REPORT Duty of members to report 65(1) A member who believes that another member is suffering from a physical or mental condition or disorder of a nature or to an extent that the member is unfit to continue to practise or that the member's practice should be restricted, shall inform the executive director of that belief and the reasons for it. Exemption from liability for disclosure 65(2) A member who discloses information under subsection (1) is not subject to any liability as a result, unless it is established that the disclosure was made maliciously. EMPLOYER'S RESPONSIBILITY Employer's responsibility to ensure registration 66(1) No person shall knowingly employ or continue to employ a person to perform the practice of licensed practical nursing unless the person is a licensed practical nurse or a graduate practical nurse registered under this Act. Annual review 66(2) Every person who employs a licensed practical nurse shall review his or her registration status annually. Responsibility to report misconduct 66(3) If a person who employs a licensed practical nurse terminates the licensed practical nurse's employment for misconduct, incompetence or incapacity, the employer shall promptly report the termination to the executive director and give the licensed practical nurse a copy of the report. Referral to investigation committee 66(4) On receiving a report from an employer, the executive director may refer the matter to the investigation committee. ANNUAL REPORT Annual report 67(1) The college shall submit an annual report to the minister within four months of the end of each fiscal year. Contents of report 67(2) The report must include the following information for the year for which the report is submitted: (a) a description of the structure of the college, including its committees and their functions; (b) the names of the members of the board and committees; (c) a copy of the by-laws or amendments to by-laws that were made; (d) the number of applications for registration that were received and their disposition; (e) the number of complaints that were received and their disposition; (f) the number of members disciplined, the reasons for the discipline and the sanctions imposed; (g) the number of practice audits conducted and the results of the audits; (h) the methods used to assure the continuing competence of members; (i) a financial report on the operation of the college; (j) any other information the minister requires. PART 9 TRANSITIONAL, REPEAL AND COMING INTO FORCE "Former Act" defined 68(1) In this section, "former Act" means The Licensed Practical Nurses Act , R.S.M. 1987, c. P65. Registration continued 68(2) An individual who is a member under the former Act on the day this Act comes into force is deemed to be registered as a member under this Act. Annual certificate continued 68(3) An annual certificate issued under the former Act to a person entitled to have his or her name entered on the register of practising licensed practical nurses under this Act is deemed to be a certificate of registration issued under this Act, valid for the same period indicated on the certificate and subject to the same conditions as indicated on the certificate. Application for registration continued 68(4) An application for registration made under the former Act but not concluded before the coming into force of this Act shall be dealt with under this Act. Board continued 68(5) The members of the board and officers of the association under the former Act are deemed to be members of the board and officers of the college under this Act, elected or appointed for the same period and holding the same offices. Complaints under former Act: no referral to discipline committee 68(6) A complaint that was made or an investigation that was commenced under the former Act and which was not referred to the discipline committee before the coming into force of this Act shall be dealt with under this Act. Complaints under former Act: referral to discipline committee 68(7) A matter that was referred to the discipline committee before the coming into force of this Act shall be concluded under the former Act as though this Act had not come into force. Repeal 69 The Licensed Practical Nurses Act , R.S.M. 1987, c. P100, is repealed. C.C.S.M. reference 70 This Act may be referred to as chapter L125 of the Continuing Consolidation of the Statutes of Manitoba . Coming into force 71 This Act comes into force on a day fixed by proclamation. NOTE: S.M. 1999, c. 37 was proclaimed in force August 15, 2001.