Human Resources Legislative Update
The College of Nurses of Ontario Seeks Feedback on Proposed Amendments to the Educational Requirements for Registered Nurses and Registered Practical Nurses
Date: May 1, 2024
The College of Nurses of Ontario (CNO) has announced a public consultation on proposed amendments to O. Reg. 275/94 under the Nursing Act, 1991 that would amend the educational requirements for registration as a registered nurse (RN) or registered practical nurse (RPN). These proposed amendments were developed based on feedback received during an initial public consultation process.
Specifically, the CNO is proposing amendments to do the following:
- Accept RN applicants who have a baccalaureate degree in nursing without any additional assessment if the degree is recognized and approved in the jurisdiction in which it was taken as qualifying the applicant to practice as an RN in that jurisdiction. If an RN does not have a baccalaureate degree but has completed another program recognized or approved in another jurisdiction as qualifying the applicant to practice as an RN in that jurisdiction, an applicant may be registered if the program is one that is determined to be substantially equivalent.
- Accept RPN applicants who have a diploma in practical nursing without any additional assessment if the diploma is recognized and approved in the jurisdiction in which it was taken as qualifying the applicant to practice as an RPN in that jurisdiction. If an RPN does not have a diploma but has completed another program recognized or approved in another jurisdiction as qualifying the applicant to practice as an RPN in that jurisdiction, an applicant may be registered if the program is one that is determined to be substantially equivalent.
- Require an applicant who has not practised nursing in Canada or completed an RN or RPN program in Canada in the last five years to successfully complete a program or course focused on the healthcare system in Canada. This requirement would be subject to certain exemptions.
Comments on these proposed amendments to the educational requirements for RNs and RPNs can be submitted until May 30, 2024.
If you have any questions about this consultation, please feel free to contact your regular Hicks Morley lawyer.
The article in this client update provides general information and should not be relied on as legal advice or opinion. This publication is copyrighted by Hicks Morley Hamilton Stewart Storie LLP and may not be photocopied or reproduced in any form, in whole or in part, without the express permission of Hicks Morley Hamilton Stewart Storie LLP. ©
