The Health Inquiry and Fitness to Practice processes

This document discusses the process that unfolds when a company raises concerns about a healthcare provider's ability to practice safely due to physical, mental, or other issues.

#Request for Well-Being#

When a company starts worrying about a healthcare provider's ability to work safely due to health issues, they must tell the Chief Nursing Officer (CNO) promptly, usually within 30 days or immediately in an emergency. The CNO then reviews the concerns to decide what action to take, like investigating the caregiver's health.

**Council for Requests, Objections, and Reports (ICRC)**

The ICRC handles the request and may arrange for the caregiver to get medical attention or take a wellness assessment. The caregiver can respond to the request, and the ICRC reviews all available information. If the ICRC thinks the caregiver could be risky for patients, they might restrict their training until the Wellness to Practice Advisory Group reviews the case.

#Board of Wellness to Practice#

If the ICRC suggests that a caregiver's case be reviewed by the Wellness to Practice Council, the CNO notes this in the caregiver's medical file. The Council could hold a hearing to understand the concerns and decide if the caregiver should get treatment or restrict their nursing. If a caregiver can't work safely, they might choose to give up their nursing license. To return to nursing, they must meet all standards and show they're well enough to practice safely.

#Wellness to Practice Board Trustee Hearing#

If there's a disagreement, the caregiver gets a chance to participate in a hearing with the Wellness to Practice board. The board can impose terms or limits, even putting a caregiver on leave if they won't get therapy or can't safely practice.