The Psychology Regulations under N.S. Reg. 252/2025 introduces a new regulatory framework governing the practice of psychology in Nova Scotia. These regulations replace provisions under the former Psychologists Act and provide updated definitions, clarify roles within the regulatory structure, establish scope-of-practice parameters, and set out detailed requirements for registration, licensing, title use, and conditional practice.

The Nova Scotia Board of Examiners in Psychology will continue to be the Nova Scotia Regulator of Psychology, functioning under the broader statutory framework that governs regulated health professions in the province. The Regulator is granted specific bylaw-making authority and must include three to four public representatives on its Board, exceeding the minimum requirements of the Act to ensure transparency and public accountability.

A central component of the regulations is the articulation of the scope of practice for psychology. It is defined as the application of specialized, evidence-based psychological knowledge, skills, and judgment taught in approved programs or reflected in Board-approved competency frameworks, standards of practice, or practice guidelines. This scope includes assessing and providing therapy to individuals or groups, diagnosing psychological and emotional disorders, and performing any other functions associated with designations and licensing categories established by law. The scope also encompasses broader professional activities such as health promotion, research, education, interprofessional collaboration, consultation, regulation, and system development.

The regulations formally establish practising and conditional licensing categories, including psychologist practising licences and candidate or psychologist conditional licences, while enabling the Regulator to create additional categories by law. The registration framework lays out extensive criteria for applicants seeking entry into practising registers. Applicants must demonstrate appropriate academic qualifications, completion of examinations or competency assessments where required, proficiency in English, lawful authorization to work in Canada, and the capacity and character necessary to practise safely and ethically. They must also meet currency-of-practice and continuing competence requirements for licensing, hold professional liability insurance, and have no outstanding disciplinary restrictions that would limit full registration.

Conditional registration and licensure are made available to applicants or existing registrants who meet most requirements for full registration but have conditions or restrictions on their practice or who are awaiting completion of required examinations. These pathways ensure that the profession can maintain high standards while providing flexibility for supervised or restricted practice when appropriate.

Nova Scotia (252/2025) December 2, 2025
Disclaimer: Insights are for informational purposes only and does not reflect RRI’s official position or constitute legal opinion.