LEAP
The Legal Expense Assistance Plan
Are you faced with a complaint about your professional conduct? If so, you may be eligible for the Legal Expense Assistance Plan (LEAP).

WHAT IS LEAP?
LEAP is a Legal Expense Assistance Plan provided for members of the BCNU. LEAP, which is funded by member contributions, covers charges under a professional act that are directly job related such as:

• professional conduct review under the appropriate professional act
• some appeals of decisions under the appropriate professional act
• some inquests over events arising from your nursing employment

THE APPROVAL PROCESS
The LEAP Advisory Committee and/or the LEAP Administrator review all applications. If the application is not approved, the applicant may appeal the LEAP Committee decision to BCNU's Executive Committee. This Committee's decision is final and binding on all parties. Some reasons an application may be denied include:

• an independent tribunal has upheld the employer's decision for dismissal
• a criminal court has found the applicant guilty
• there are insufficient funds
• LEAP has been terminated

WHO QUALIFIES?
You are eligible for LEAP if you were a member of BCNU and working at a BCNU-certified worksite at the time of the incident and your application is approved by the LEAP Advisory Committee and/or the LEAP Administrator.

GENERAL CONDITIONS
Once an application has been approved, the LEAP Advisory Committee or its designate retains and instructs legal counsel on behalf of the participant.

If a participant retains counsel without the approval of the LEAP Advisory Committee those costs will not be paid through the Plan. Participants must comply with the defense plan and legal advice of the BCNU-appointed lawyer in order to remain funded by LEAP.

The Plan will not pay any fines and penalties you might incur, your lost income, damages awarded against you, personal expenses nor any legal expenses occurred in actions against the BCNU. Further information about LEAP may be obtained by contacting the LEAP Administrator at BCNU.

HOW TO APPLY:
Contact the LEAP Administrator at the British Columbia Nurses' Union.

LEAP Administrator, BCNU
4060 Regent Street
Burnaby, B.C. V5C 6P5
(604-433-2268 or 1-800-663-9991)

You will be asked to complete an application form which should be returned to the LEAP Administrator. You will then be notified whether your application has been approved and which law firm will represent you.