December 1, 2025
NSCN to Regulate Registered Psychiatric Nurses (RPNs)
We are pleased to share that the Government of Nova Scotia has recently approved amendments to the regulations under the Nursing Act that will make way for a new designation of nurses in the province. Effective December 1, 2025, the NSCN will have legislated authority to register and license registered psychiatric nurses (RPNs) in addition to licensed practical nurses (LPNs), registered nurses (RNs), and nurse practitioners (NPs).
Other Important Information
- Changes to the Personal Directives Act (PDA) authorizes RNs and NPs (who have completed the required education offered by the Public Trustees Office and have been deemed a capacity assessor) to perform capacity assessments under the act to determine if a client is capable of making their personal care decisions. Read the Assessing Capacity Guideline to learn more about your accountabilities related to capacity assessment.
- A new regulatory model for nurse practitioners (NPs) comes into effect in Nova Scotia in spring 2027. In the new model NPs will be educated to practice in all practice settings and across the lifespan. There will no longer be pediatric or adult education streams. The neonatal education stream will remain. More information on the new regulatory model can be found here.
- Change in practice to IWK Records in the SHARE Clinical Portal, effective December 6, 2025.
- Effective November 1, 2025, Lloyd Sadd is now known as Navacord. The name change does not affect LPNs professional liability protection coverage. Read more about professional liability protection.
- Congratulations to our three winners of this year’s early bird licensure fee draw – Elizabeth Casey-Swinimer (LPN), Rachel MacDonald (RN), and Trudy Campbell (NP)! Still haven't renewed? Visit here.
- Did you know if you practice without a licence even for a day you could receive a written warning, fine or even face a complaint to our Professional Conduct Services? Learn more about your accountability.
- Looking for a copy of your receipt for your 2025-2026 licence? View receipt instructions.
- November’s practice support tool is the Documentation Guidelines for Nurses. Read the tool.
Share this with friends, colleagues and team members:
