Consultation Overview
The Nova Scotia College of Nursing (NSCN) sought feedback on proposed amendments to the Nursing Regulations and By-laws with respect to the creation and regulation of the designation of Registered Psychiatric Nurse (RPN). All system partners were invited to provide feedback during a 30-day period in accordance with section 9(2) of the Nursing Act.
RPNs are a separate and distinct nursing designation within the profession of nursing. RPNs are currently registered and licensed in six provinces and three territories across the country: British Columbia, Alberta, Saskatchewan, Manitoba, Prince Edward Island, Newfoundland & Labrador, Yukon, the Northwest Territories and Nunavut.
A key prerequisite to NSCN’s ability to regulate RPNs is the development of new regulations under the Nursing Act. NSCN sought feedback on proposed draft regulations on the following topics:
- Establishment of RPN designation as a designation regulated under the Nursing Act
- Rules regarding use of the designation
- RPN scope of practice
- Registers and licence categories for RPNs
The draft proposed regulations were developed with the intention to create regulatory requirements that apply consistently to all designations unless there is a public interest reason for a different approach. For that reason, many of the draft regulations mirror the Nursing Act language used for LPNs, RNs and NPs. The RPN scope of practice language was informed by an environmental scan of RPN regulation across Canada.
NSCN also sought feedback on amendments to NSCN’s By-laws on the following topics:
- Establishment of currency of practice requirements for RPNs - It was proposed that the existing currency of practice by-law be amended to extend its application to RPNs.
- Regulatory Committee composition requirements for RPNs: It was proposed that a new by-law create an exemption to the committee and panel composition requirements if a designation has 50 or fewer registrants.
- Establishment of regulatory documents for RPNs - Standards of Practice, Entry-Level Competencies, and Code of Ethics. It was proposed that, for the initial phase of RPN regulation in Nova Scotia, the Board adopt the following regulatory documents that have been developed, validated and approved by Registered Psychiatric Nurse Regulators of Canada (RPNRC) and/or current Canadian RPNs regulators:
- Standards of Psychiatric Nursing Practice (2019)
- Registered Psychiatric Nurse Entry Level Competencies (2014) – proposed to be in effect until replaced by the 2026 version
- Registered Psychiatric Nurse Entry Level Competencies (2026) – proposed to take effect January 5, 2026
- Registered Psychiatric Nurse Code of Ethics – developed by the College of Registered Psychiatric Nurses of Saskatchewan
Consultation Participation and Response
The requests for feedback on the By-laws and the Regulations were shared on the NSCN website, through the newsletter and on social media.
The majority of the feedback received was supportive of the creation of the RPN designation or neutral. There was no feedback received specifically on any of the proposed By-laws or Regulations.
A small number of respondents provided comments on the title “Registered Psychiatric Nurse”, including concern that the term “psychiatric” was stigmatizing language, and feedback that use of the title “RPN” could cause confusion given that practical nurses in Ontario are identified as “RPNs”.
Some nurses inquired about how the new designation could impact their ability to practice in mental health or asked for information on how to become an RPN. NSCN staff provided responses, including confirmation that the introduction of RPNs does not change the legislated scope of practice of other nurses. LPNs and RNs can continue to work in mental health and addictions settings and there is no expectation that they become an RPN.
Impact on the Project
The feedback was shared with the NSCN Board for consideration.
The NSCN Board ultimately decided to proceed with use of the title Registered Psychiatric Nurse (RPN). This will maintain consistency in terminology nationally. It will also promote public, registrant and employer understanding that, although RPNs are new to Nova Scotia, it is the same designation that has existed in Western Canada for many decades.
The Board approved the proposed amendments to the Nursing Regulations and submitted them to the Nova Scotia Government for consideration. These amendments received approval by the Governor in Council and take effect as of December 1, 2025.
The NSCN Board also approved the proposed By-laws, which also take effect on December 1, 2025.
Next Steps/Conclusion
The feedback highlighted the importance of increasing awareness and understanding of the RPN designation in Nova Scotia. During this initial phase of RPN regulation in Nova Scotia, NSCN staff are engaged in projects to highlight the new designation and provide information to the public, nurses and employers, including the following resources:
