- I am not currently working as a NP/I am on parental leave. How will I meet the peer review requirement?
All registered, practising NPs are required to participate in a peer review in the second year after NP registration. However, there are some exceptions for which the QA Committee would consider a request for a deferral. These situations include:
- You are not working as a NP
- You have not practised for a full year (e.g. you registered more than a year ago but only recently obtained NP employment)
- You have been on extended leave of absence (e.g. parental or medical leave, sabbatical)
If any of these apply to you, please contact BCCNM.
- Does the peer review include an observation of client encounters or patient care?
- No. The peer review is a review of your documentation using the
Chart Review Guidelines. The assessor will discuss the chart review results with you, including professional development opportunities.
- What criteria will the assessor use to review my practice?
The assessor reviews your charts using the
Chart Reveiw Guidelines, based on the indicators related to BCCNM Standards of Practice, the
NP Scope of Practice and
Entry-level competencies for NPs in Canada. As the tool is competency and standards-based, it can be applied to all streams of NP practice and in all practice settings. This is not a review of specialty practice.
- Who will know my results?
QA Program information is protected under the Health Professions Act. Your assessment results are confidential and only available to you, the QA Committee and authorized BCCNM Quality Assurance staff and QA assessors. All BCCNM personnel involved in the QA Program must comply with QA Program applicable legislation, bylaws and policy. As such, we will not provide your results to your employer: your results are for your use, to help your professional development.
- My assessor is from the U.S. Will she be familiar with the BCCNM Standards of Practice?
BCCNM assessors are experienced nurse practitioners familiar with BCCNM Standards of Practice. Assessors are expected to be aware of and conduct the review in accordance with the B.C. standards for NP practice.
All NP assessors must meet specific qualifications to be appointed by the QA Committee. The majority are B.C.-based.
- Where does BCCNM get its legal authority to perform a review?
The Health Professions Act and BCCNM Bylaws authorize the peer review component of the quality assurance program for nurse practitioners.
The QA Committee and NP assessors carry out the review in accordance with the Health Professions Act, BCCNM's bylaws, and BCCNM Quality Assurance Program policy.
If you require further information please contact us.
- How will I know if I have a conflict of interest with my assessor?
When an NP has a review, it's very important that the assessor is objective. We ask both the NP being reviewed, and the assessor to declare any actual, perceived or potential conflict of interest before scheduling a review. If a conflict of interest exists, a new assessor will be assigned.
There are some specific things to consider when deciding whether a conflict of interest exists such as work relationships or personal knowledge. Specific examples of conflict of interest situations can be found in the BCCNM
Conflict of Interest Practice Standard.
Conflict of interest is not limited to these considerations, and if you need further guidance or assistance please
contact BCCNM Quality Assurance staff.
- Where can I get more information?
You can email
np-review@bccnm.ca, or call604.742.6540 (Toll-free 1.866.880.7101 x6540). Your query will then be directed to the appropriate staff member.