March 31, 2022
Upon government proclamation, new and revised nursing policy documents will come into effect due to Bill 46, the Health Statutes Amendment Act, 2020 (No. 2). These documents outline the College of Registered Nurses of Alberta (CRNA) expectations of registrants.
The continuing competence program provisions have moved from the Registered Nurses Profession Regulation into standards of practice. The standards outline the minimum expectations for registrants participating in the continuing competence program. There are no changes to the requirements registrants need to complete; however, while nurse practitioner registrants still need to complete a learning plan based on the practice standards, they no longer need to complete a second learning plan based on the NP entry-level competencies.
Registrants who wish to renew their practice permit must meet the requirements set out in the Continuing Competence Standards. In addition to the standards, a Continuing Competence Program Manual will outline further details. The program manual will be made available upon request.
This document (previously titled Practice Standards for Regulated Members), underwent a full review for currency and relevancy, including removal of association-focused language, restructured from five standards to four standards to increase clarity, updated indicators to clarify expectations of each standard, and removed appendices; these changes were approved at the December 2022 Council meeting.
In addition, wording and indicators to address female genital mutilation (FGM) and to align with the Health Professions (Protecting Women and Girls) Amendment Act, 2022 (formerly Bill 10), which regulatory colleges were required to develop.
Revisions were made to the foundational document to remove association content and align with new legislation and evidence-informed practices. This document was previously known as Practice Standards for Regulated Members (2013).
In addition to being updated to reflect the changes required by legislation, this document was restructured into three standards: accountability, communication and safe provision of care and security. This document was previously known as Documentation Standards for Regulated Members (2013).
A clearly defined scope of practice is crucial for nurse practitioners. Sections have been removed or clarified to reduce perceived barriers and to be relevant to current practice.
The Health Statutes Amendment Act, 2020 (Bill 46) amends multiple health regulations including the Health Professions Act (2000). It aims to streamline regulatory processes, improve governance and accountability, and ensure the health-care system and health professionals to serve in the interest of Albertans. There are no changes to registrants' practice.
All nursing policy documents were reviewed for alignment. Common changes made across all standards, competencies, and scope of practice documents as necessary:
Standards, competencies, and the scope of practice describe the minimum expectations that registrations must meet. Fifteen nursing policy documents received minor revisions to align with the legislative changes required under the Health Statutes Amendment Act, 2020 (Bill 46). Based on our assessment and consultation feedback received, the revisions were made to:
Nine guideline documents have been revised to align with changes made to the within the standards of practice, competencies, and scope of practice documents. There are no changes to registrants' practice.
Guidelines help to identify principles, provide direction, clarify roles and responsibilities, and provide a framework for decision-making. Guidelines help registrants apply the standards to their practice. Based on our assessment and consultation feedback received, the revisions were made to: