An important part of our work is accomplished through regulatory committees that are established to help fulfill our mandate of public protection. Our regulatory committees function at arm’s length from our day-to-day work and include volunteer nurses and members of the public who make objective decisions related to the registration and licensing, practice and conduct of nurses in Nova Scotia.
The Fitness to Practise Committee determines whether a nurse is suffering from a medical, physical, mental or emotional condition, disorder or addiction that rendered the nurse 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 requests to return to nursing practice.
Upon receipt of a referral, the Chair will appoint a panel of at least 3 Committee members to act as the Fitness to Practice Committee, including at least: 1 public representative, 1 registrant with the same designation as the designation of the respondent; and 1 other person as determined by the Chair. Click here for the procedure to select a panel.
Members
Fitness to Practice Committee members are approved by the NSCN Board. The current members are as follows:
- Amanda Billard RN
- Barbara Broom RN
- Cora Lee Dowding LPN
- Dana Fidgen RN
- Gail Robicheau LPN
- Gilles Robichaud RN
- Jennifer Riis NP
- Joanne Zevenhuizen RN
- Kelly Rowlett PR
- Lindsay Burke RN (Vice Chair)
- Loretta Manning, KC PR (Chair)
- Marian Casey RN
- Michele Blagdon RN
- Pieter de Bruijn PR
- Tracey Polley LPN
- Tracy Brown (nee George) NP
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. Click here to open the Fitness to Practise Committee Terms of Reference.
If you have any questions, reach out to us at information@nscn.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