Duty to Report

All nurses in Newfoundland and Labrador (RNs, NPs, LPNs, and RPNs) have a professional, ethical, and legal responsibility to identify, address, and report unsafe, unethical, or unprofessional situations that may affect client safety or the quality of care.

This includes concerns related to the conduct, competence, or fitness to practise of another health care provider. In most situations, concerns should first be addressed within the workplace by following the established chain of authority and documenting the issue objectively.

When concerns:

• meet legal reporting requirements such as termination or restrictions on employment,
• involve conduct deserving of sanction,
• are not resolved,
• or involve serious risk,

nurses have a duty to report to external authorities. This includes their regulatory body or other agencies as required by law.

Protecting the Public and Upholding the Integrity of Nursing

Duty to report is grounded in nursing legislation, standards of practice, and codes of ethics. It reflects the nurse’s obligation to protect the public and uphold the integrity of the profession.

Reporting concerns in good faith is a legitimate and expected part of professional practice and contributes to safe care. The duty to report is not about assigning blame—it is a core component of professional accountability and public protection. Nurses are expected to use professional judgment to assess concerns, gather relevant facts, and take appropriate action based on the level of risk. If a situation places clients at immediate risk, nurses must act promptly to ensure safety.

Nurses also have mandatory self-reporting obligations in specific circumstances. Failing to report significant concerns may itself constitute a breach of professional standards.