Nova Scotia has introduced a new regulatory framework for nursing and midwifery through N.S. Reg. 155/2026, the Nursing and Midwifery Regulations, made under the Regulated Health Professions Act. The regulations increase the oversight of nursing and midwifery by creating a unified regulator, defining professional scopes of practice, establishing licensing categories, and strengthening title protection and public accountability requirements.

The regulations continue the former Nova Scotia College of Nursing as the Nova Scotia Nursing and Midwifery Regulator, expanding its mandate to regulate both nursing and midwifery professions. The new regulator replaces the former Midwifery Regulatory Council of Nova Scotia, bringing the two professions under a single regulatory structure. The change aligns nursing and midwifery oversight with the broader framework established by the Regulated Health Professions Act, which aims to create consistent governance standards across regulated health professions.

A key element of the regulations is the establishment of governance requirements for the regulator’s board. The board must include between three and four public representatives in addition to other members required under the Act. One public representative must be appointed directly by the Governor in Council, while other public representatives must be recruited through a transparent public process. Vacancies among publicly appointed members must be filled through additional recruitment or existing candidate pools, ensuring continued public participation in regulatory decision-making.

The regulations define the scope of practice for both nursing and midwifery. Nursing practice is described as the application of specialized, evidence-based knowledge, skills, and professional judgment acquired through approved education programs or competency frameworks. It includes assessing, diagnosing, treating, and managing health conditions; planning and evaluating health interventions; promoting health; preventing disease; conducting research; providing education; collaborating with other professionals; and participating in health system development.

The regulations also introduce extensive title protection provisions. Only authorized registrants may use protected titles such as “licensed practical nurse,” “registered psychiatric nurse,” “registered nurse,” “nurse practitioner,” “registered midwife,” “midwife,” and “nurse.” Similar restrictions apply to abbreviations such as LPN, RPN, RN, NP, and RM. Advertising, websites, signage, and other publications referring to nursing or midwifery activities must comply with these restrictions to prevent misrepresentation and protect the public.

Professional accountability measures are strengthened through financial and reporting requirements. The maximum fine that may be imposed by the professional conduct committee is set at $100,000. Applicants and registrants must also immediately report certain criminal charges, convictions under the federal Food and Drugs Act, or suspension or withdrawal of controlled substance privileges.

Nova Scotia (155/2026) July 14, 2026
Disclaimer: Insights are for informational purposes only and does not reflect RRI’s official position or constitute legal opinion.