Nova Scotia Nursing and Midwifery Regulator Created as New Multi-Profession Regulator
Tuesday, June 30th, Bedford, NS – A new multi-profession regulator has been created to strengthen and evolve health profession regulation in Nova Scotia. The responsibilities previous held by the Nova Scotia College of Nursing and the Midwifery Regulatory Council of Nova Scotia are now carried out by the Nova Scotia Nursing and Midwifery Regulator (NSNMR), effective today.
The new regulator is responsible for regulating the practice of licensed practical nurses, registered nurses, nurse practitioners, registered psychiatric nurses, and registered midwives under Nova Scotia’s Regulated Health Professions Act (RHPA).
“This is an important step forward for health profession regulation in Nova Scotia,” said Douglas Bungay, Registrar and CEO of NSNMR. “This unified approach to regulation creates greater consistency, collaboration, and efficiency, while maintaining our shared commitment of public protection and supporting safe, competent care.”
The RHPA establishes a modern, consistent legislative framework that strengthens public protection, and enhances regulatory responsiveness across all health professions. This is an amalgamation of regulatory bodies, and not a merger of professions. As a multi-profession regulator, NSNMR is founded on the principle that midwifery and nursing are unique self-identifying professions with distinct scopes of practice, entry to practice requirements, knowledge, skills and abilities.
NSNMR will continue the work of both former organizations, ensuring a seamless transition for registrants while implementing updated regulatory processes aligned with the new legislation.
