Professional Liability Protection (PLP) is a form of professional liability insurance – often referred to as malpractice insurance – that covers claims and allegations related to nursing practice.
It helps protect nurses if a complaint, allegation, or claim arises from the care they provide. PLP is required for all nurses eligible to practise in Ontario under the College of Nurses of Ontario (CNO).
WeRPN membership includes PLP coverage required by the CNO.
Professional Liability Protection (PLP) helps protect nurses and the public when issues arise from professional practice.
PLP may apply to situations involving:
Having PLP in place helps ensure access to financial protection if a claim is made against you.
Note: Legal assistance for regulatory matters, including CNO complaints or investigations, falls outside PLP and is generally provided through supplementary legal expense coverage (e.g., enhanced coverage included with most WeRPN memberships).
The College of Nurses of Ontario (CNO) requires all nurses who are eligible to practise to maintain Professional Liability Protection.
This requirement applies:
Maintaining PLP is part of your professional responsibility as a nurse in Ontario.
Registered Practical Nurses work in a wide range of settings, including hospitals, long-term care homes, clinics, and community care. In any of these environments, professional risks can arise.
While some employers provide liability coverage, it may not:
A personal PLP policy helps ensure you have consistent, continuous protection throughout your career.
Some employers do not provide liability coverage at all. Even when coverage is provided, there is no guarantee it will apply in every situation.
Employer coverage may:
A personal Professional Liability Protection (PLP) policy, with additional coverage for regulatory legal expenses, is the only way to ensure you have consistent, reliable protection across all areas of your nursing practice.
WeRPN provides Registered Practical Nurses with access to Professional Liability Protection (PLP), along with additional legal support for regulatory matters, as part of membership – designed specifically for RPNs in Ontario.
Coverage includes:
Maintaining continuous coverage is important. Gaps in coverage may affect your ability to respond to claims related to past incidents. Become a member to access PLP coverage and legal support.
Note: This coverage does not apply to independent practice. Separate insurance is required for any independent or business activities.
Yes. PLP is required by the College of Nurses of Ontario (CNO) for all nurses who are eligible to practise.
PLP covers claims and allegations related to professional nursing practice, including malpractice-related issues such as errors, omissions, or negligence.
Legal support for regulatory matters, including complaints or investigations involving the CNO, may be available through separate legal expense coverage, such as that included with WeRPN membership.
You can obtain PLP coverage through professional associations such as WeRPN. Membership provides access to PLP coverage and additional benefits and professional supports.
Protect your practice with WeRPN
Professional Liability Protection is a core part of safe, responsible nursing practice. With WeRPN membership, you gain access to PLP coverage, legal support, and professional resources designed for Registered Practical Nurses in Ontario.