The INRC affirms that in a consumer protection model, health care practice occurs where the recipient of health care services is located.
INRC affirms that in a consumer protection model, health care practice occurs where the recipient of health care services is located. Furthermore, the INRC recognizes the right to protect its citizens according to the laws and practices in its own jurisdiction.
The public protection mandate through nurse licensure/registration is based on a patient-centered model. Patients have a right to know that their nurse is qualified and practicing safely. Patients also have a right to easily obtain information about a nurse, including the nurse’s disciplinary record. Patients who have had perceived or actual harm should be able to readily contact their nurse regulatory body where practice occurred.
INRC recognizes the increasing mobility of nurses between countries and practice that occurs both physically and virtually through the use of telehealth modalities. As practice occurs across geographic areas, nurse regulatory bodies face the challenge of facilitating inter-country practice while ensuring public protection. Patients deserve the same quality of regulated nursing practice regardless of where the nurse is located.
INRC acknowledges the importance of increasing access to care and the efficient use of health resources. INRC also supports the need to facilitate inter-country access to quality health care while at the same time ensuring high standards of public protection.