An important part of our work is accomplished through statutory committees that are established to help fulfill our mandate of public protection. Our statutory committees function at arm’s length from our day-to-day work and include volunteer nurses, midwives, and members of the public who make objective decisions related to the registration and licensing, practice and conduct of nurses and midwives in Nova Scotia.  

The Fitness to Practise Committee determines whether a nurse or midwife is suffering from a medical, physical, mental or emotional condition, disorder or addiction that rendered them unsafe to practice with competence or that endangers or may have endangered the health and safety of clients. 

If a panel of this committee determines this to be so, they must in a non-disciplinary manner determine what action may be necessary to protect the public when the nurse or midwife requests to return to practice.

Upon receipt of a referral, the Chair will typically appoint a panel of 3 Committee members (up to five in some instances) that is composed of NSNMR registrants and at least 1 public representative.  

Members

Fitness to Practice Committee members are approved by the NSCN Board. The current members are as follows:

  • Abigail Corbin RM
  • Angela Whynot RN
  • Annette Boucher PR
  • Ashley Hamp-Gonsalves PR (Vice-Chair)
  • Betty Thomas PR
  • Brennan Marks RN
  • Christine Wickson NP
  • Cora Lee Dowding LPN
  • Dan Seguin PR
  • Erin Holmes RN
  • Gail Denton LPN
  • James McRae PR
  • Jody Sheffar RN    
  • Karen George RM 
  • Kelly McMillan PR (Chair)
  • Lena MacDonald NP
  • Nick Swift RN
  • Olivia Riley-States RN 
  • Ron McGillivary PR    
  • Rosita MacNeil LPN
  • Ruth Martin-Misener NP
  • Sara Gillett PR
  • Sheila Ruston LPN 
  • Sylvie Laprise NP
  • Suzanne Sheppard RN
  • Theresa MacDonald LPN
  • Tracey Polley LPN

Terms

In the spirit of transparency, we publish the terms of reference for each of our committees. The terms provide an in-depth look at the work and requirements of the committee. (Stay tuned for the Terms of Reference.) 

If you have any questions, reach out to us at information@nsnmr.ca. 

About Their Work

Learn more about this committee’s work by exploring: 

•    Participating in Fitness to Practise Process
•    Health Treatments
•    Transitioning Back to Practice