CNO - College of Nurses of Ontario Legal and Regulatory Framework Questions and Answers

Question 1

A nurse receives a phone call from a man who identifies himself as the adult son of an elderly client on the unit.
The son asks for a detailed update on his mother's condition.
The client's chart has no specific instructions about disclosing information to family.
What is the nurse's most appropriate action according to the Personal Health Information Protection Act, 2004 (PHIPA)?

Accepted Answer

Inform the caller that without the client's explicit consent, no health information can be shared.

Answer

Provide the requested information, as he is immediate family.

Answer

Ask the son for the client's date of birth to verify his identity before sharing details.

Answer

Tell the son to come to the hospital with photo ID to prove his relationship.

Question 2

According to the Nursing Act, 1991, who is legally permitted to use the professional title "nurse" in Ontario?

Accepted Answer

Only members of the College of Nurses of Ontario (CNO).

Answer

Any individual employed in a healthcare setting to provide direct patient care.

Answer

Graduates of an accredited nursing program who are awaiting their registration exam results.

Answer

Retired nurses who maintain their knowledge through continuing education.

Question 3

Which of the following responsibilities falls exclusively under the mandate of the College of Nurses of Ontario (CNO)?

Accepted Answer

Establishing requirements for entry to practice to ensure public safety.

Answer

Advocating for better salaries and working conditions for nurses.

Answer

Offering professional liability protection to members.

Answer

Negotiating collective bargaining agreements with employers.

Question 4

A nurse is preparing to perform a procedure on a 75-year-old client who has been deemed incapable of making treatment decisions. The client has a spouse, two adult children, and a long-time friend who holds a valid power of attorney for personal care. According to the Health Care Consent Act, 1996, from whom must the nurse obtain consent?

Accepted Answer

The friend who holds the power of attorney for personal care.

Answer

The client's spouse, as they are the closest next of kin.

Answer

The two adult children, by a majority decision.

Answer

The physician in charge of the client's care.

Question 5

What is the relationship between the Regulated Health Professions Act, 1991 (RHPA) and the Nursing Act, 1991?

Accepted Answer

The RHPA is an umbrella legislation for all regulated health professions, while the Nursing Act contains provisions specific to nursing.

Answer

The Nursing Act is the primary legislation, and the RHPA provides supplementary, optional guidelines.

Answer

The two acts are independent and do not relate to one another in the regulation of nursing.

Answer

The RHPA applies only to physicians and surgeons, while the Nursing Act applies to all other nurses.

Question 6

A nurse makes an error in a client's electronic health record by documenting on the wrong chart. Which of the following actions is the most appropriate and legally sound way to correct this error according to CNO's Documentation practice standard?

Accepted Answer

Document that the entry was made in error, ensuring the original entry remains visible, and then make the correct entry in the appropriate chart.

Answer

Delete the incorrect entry completely to avoid any future confusion.

Answer

Leave the incorrect entry as is, but add a new, separate note explaining the error.

Answer

Copy the entry to the correct chart and then delete the original incorrect entry.