27. Whistle Blowing Protections

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.