Interim PCAP to be Implemented

Under the guidance of the Panel convened to assist the Parties in the development and implementation of a Direct Patient Care Assessment Process (PCAP), HEABC and the Nurses’ Bargaining Association (NBA) have been working on finalizing an Interim PCAP. Article 60 of the NBA Collective Agreement provides for a collaborative direct patient care assessment process at the health authorities and Providence Health Care to support the determination of immediate (short-term) direct patient care staffing requirements.

On December 10, the Panel issued a clarifying implementation Award outlining the Interim PCAP Form, Process and Guide, and End-of-Shift Question(s). The Parties are moving forward with the Interim PCAP implementation process starting next week. Implementation will be completed by January 5, 2021. Broad payment of the working short premium will continue until January 5, 2021.  Effective January 6, 2021, the working short premium will be paid in accordance with Article 28.04 when nurses are deemed to be working short as a result of the assessment under the Interim PCAP.

We would like to express our thanks to the Arbitrators, Vince Ready and Amanda Rogers, and the other members of the Panel, Dr. Lynn Stevenson and Dr. Maura MacPhee, for their valuable assistance throughout this process.

Following implementation of the Interim PCAP, work will continue on the final PCAP. Further details on the Interim PCAP and implementation process will be provided over the coming days.