No Retaliation or Discouragement of Reports
The home must protect staff members from harassment, coercion, penalty or discipline in the context of the following:
• Reports in good faith under this policy; and
• Disclosure
Staff members must not do anything to discourage any of the following:
• Reports under this policy;
• Mandatory/immediate reports as per provincial legislation; and
• Disclosure
Reporting in Good Faith
In making a report under this policy, a person must not act maliciously or in bad faith. A person who makes a report maliciously or in bad faith may be subject to disciplinary action, which may include termination or removal.
Screening Measures
The criminal reference check is to be conducted by a police force within six months before the staff member is hired or the volunteer is accepted by the home. It must include a vulnerable sector screen to determine the person’s suitability to be a staff member or volunteer in a long-term care home and to protect residents from abuse and neglect.
Declaration forms must be provided promptly, (a) after the person has been made aware that they have been charged or an order has been made, and (b) after the person has been convicted or a charge is otherwise disposed of. Failure to do so will result in discipline up to and including termination.