What must a co-worker or employer report to the Respiratory Care Board?

The requirement for co-workers or employers to report to the Respiratory Care Board centers around ensuring patient safety and upholding the standards of practice in respiratory care. When a co-worker or employer observes a situation where an individual is displaying incompetence or negligence in their patient care duties, it is crucial to report this to the appropriate authorities.

This reporting obligation serves several purposes: it helps protect patients from potential harm, supports the integrity of the profession, and ensures that appropriate disciplinary actions can be taken if necessary. Incompetence or negligence specifically refers to a failure to meet the accepted standards of care, which can have serious implications for patients’ health and well-being.

Reporting minor mistakes or incidents that do not reflect a pattern of incompetence or negligence may not require formal reporting, as they may fall under routine quality improvement processes or be corrected through supervision and education. However, significant issues involving a co-worker's ability to competently perform their role are taken seriously and must be addressed to maintain the overall safety and effectiveness of respiratory care services.