All registrants engaged in virtual care are accountable for practicing in accordance with their respective standards of practice, code of ethics, scope of practice, relevant provincial or federal legislation and policies the same as they would for in-person client care.
This practice scenario has been developed to help Nurse Practitioners (NP) understand the regulatory requirements when providing virtual care.
Q. I am a Nurse Practitioner considering a position providing virtual care. What regulatory requirements should I consider prior to accepting this position?
Registration and Licensure in Nova Scotia
- NPs in Nova Scotia, who are looking to provide nursing services to clients in other jurisdictions should contact the appropriate nursing regulator in that jurisdiction to ensure they are aware of the regulatory requirements.
- NPs registered and licensed in other Canadian jurisdictions may provide virtual care service to clients in Nova Scotia without NS licensure if they have never been an NSCN registrant.
- An NSCN registrant is any nurse who was ever registered and licensed with NSCN or our legacy colleges, CLPNNS or CRNNS.
Please review our Virtual Care Practice Guidelines for more information on virtual care and cross-jurisdictional practice.
Laboratory and Diagnostic Tests and Referral to Specialists
NSCN does not direct, manage, or regulate processes related to labs tests or the issuing of location numbers.
- A Location Number (formerly called the Provincial Medical Board (PMB) Number) is required to process orders for laboratory tests through Nova Scotia Health laboratories. NPs need to determine with their employer any process related to ordering bloodwork, diagnostic tests and referral to specialist.
- When ordering laboratory or diagnostic tests, NPs need to ensure that all Laboratory and Diagnostic Services have access to their contact information to guarantee the efficient delivery of results. NPs should work with their employer regarding processes to receive results from both inside and outside of Nova Scotia.
- NPs should contact Medavie Blue Cross to obtain a provider number to facilitate referrals to specialists. Contact Medavie Blue Cross MSI Program Provider Coordinator misproviders@medavie.bluecross.ca or 902-496-7011 to obtain this number.
- NPs who prescribe controlled drugs and substances must have an NSPMP number. The application is accessible at https:// www.nspmp.ca/registration-andrequest-forms
NPs who provide virtual care require a process to maintain or transfer their accountability for clients if they require additional care and follow up testing in Nova Scotia.
Consult CNPS (Canadian Nurses Protective Society) the liability provider for NPs to discuss legal implications for providing Virtual Care.
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