An Bord Altranais Publication Policy regarding Part V, Fitness to Practice, of the Nurses Act, 1985 - July, 2007
Rationale for Publication:
To inform the public, and so fulfil the remit of An Bord Altranais under Section 51(3) of the Nurses Act, 1985 To guide nurses and midwives on all matters relating to ethical conduct and behaviour.
Policy of the Board:
In all cases where a nurse has been found, as a result of a Fitness to Practise Inquiry, to be:
(a) guilty of professional misconduct and/or
(b) unfit to engage in the practice of nursing by reason of a physical or mental disability,
publication of the findings of the Fitness to Practise Committee on any matter referred to it and the decision of the Board on any report made to it by the Fitness to Practise Committee will occur. The allegations proven will be redacted, where appropriate, to protect the identity of other persons and institutions.
Publication will be made to the following:
a) The complainant.
b) The Minister for Health and Children. c
c) The Chief Executive Officer of the Health Service Executive.
d) The employer, if known.
e) Regulatory authorities in any country/jurisdiction where the person is known to hold or have held registration.
f) Regulatory authorities in any country/jurisdiction where the person is known to currently reside even if they are not known to hold registration in that country/jurisdiction.
g) Any person or organisation that makes an inquiry in relation to the matter.
In all but the most exceptional cases, findings and decisions will also be published in the following:
h) An Bord Altranais News.
i) An Bord Altranais Annual Report
j) An Bord Altranais website.
Where a decision not to publish is taken by the Board, the rationale for this decision will be documented in the minutes of the Board meeting.
In cases of significant public interest, findings and decisions may also be published by means of a Press Release.