Ask a Nursing Advisor: Virtual Care

Accessing health care virtually is becoming a new normal in Saskatchewan. As such, as an RN or NP, you may be asking, “What are my responsibilities when providing virtual care?”

This is a great question. There are a few key considerations, whether providing nursing advice over the phone, virtual care through an application, videoconferencing or any other manner where you cannot assess a client in person.

1. You must hold a practicing license with the CRNS to provide nursing care, including virtual care, to Saskatchewan residents in Saskatchewan. Exceptions apply to those registered with the CRNS through the AB/NT/SK memorandum of agreement. If your practice falls within this agreement, email register@crns.ca for more information.
2. You are responsible for complying with RN Practice Standards, Entry-Level Competencies and Code of Ethics and carrying out the nursing process, including assessment, care planning, implementation of the care plan and evaluation. If you cannot obtain the information you require to make sound clinical decisions, the client must be assessed by another health care provider or seen in person.
3. Nursing care, including virtual, must be documented within an approved documentation system that reasonably assures client confidentiality and continuity of care.
4. Differing legislation/regulations/bylaws govern each province/territory and country. We encourage you to contact the nursing regulator in that jurisdiction before providing virtual care to their residents.

A couple of resources that may be helpful as you consider practicing virtually include, but are not limited to:

• Twelve Things to Consider Before Joining a Virtual Care Practice, Canadian Nurses Protective Society; and,
• Nursing Use of Information and Communication Technologies, CRNS.

To discuss this topic or other nursing practice issues, CRNS Practice Advisors are available by email at practiceadvice@crns.ca