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  3. Council voted unanimously to move to a single mandate regulatory organization with a commitment to develop and grow a new association
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Council voted unanimously to move to a single mandate regulatory organization with a commitment to develop and grow a new association

 

CARNA Council voted unanimously on August 19, 2020 to move to a single mandate regulatory organization with a commitment to develop and grow a new association. 

CARNA will begin work immediately on a transition plan to separate the two existing mandates. We will be thoughtful and supportive as each organization focuses on its own uniqueness - one as a healthcare regulator to protect Albertans through safe and competent care and one as an association to evolve the profession of nursing.  

Further details, as they evolve will be added to our website so please check the CARNA website for further information and updates. 

This decision comes as a result of lengthy research and consultation and will set a new way forward, both as the regulator of the nursing profession and as well to help frame a vision for a new association.  You may recall that in late 2019, CARNA’s Provincial Council commissioned a review of its governance functioning with the goal to review and identify governance principles, structures and best practices. CARNA’s dual mandate was also examined for its suitability as a modern structure fit for an evolving healthcare landscape. All nine recommendations of the Governance Task Force were accepted and approved on August 19.  The full Task Force report is available here. 

“CARNA Provincial Council recognizes the importance of protecting Albertans by ensuring safe and competent care. We can now dedicate our regulatory mandate to this exclusively” says CARNA President Dennie Hycha. “Nurses are critical in the delivery of quality care and this new chapter in nursing regulation evolution is a positive and progressive development. This decision will also see the continued work toward advancement of the nursing profession in Alberta.”

If you have questions, see question list below or call us at 780.232.3534. 

Questions and answers

What does this mean?

CARNA will move towards becoming sole regulator, serving in the public interest only. A transition plan is currently being developed and will be rolled out in the coming months to separate the role of the regulator and the work of the association.  

What is the role of a regulator vs an association?

As a sole regulator, our role will be to serve the public, ensuring nurses practice safely, while the association serves nurses and focuses on advancing the nursing profession in Alberta.  

What will happen to the association?

Discussions on the future of the association will take place over the following months and CARNA will support development of a plan to make sure an  association has sound building blocks in place to begin its work. 

When will this take effect?

For now, registrants don’t have to do anything as it won’t affect this year’s registration. Registrants will be updated as a transition plan takes shape in the next few months.  

Why was this decision made?

It is difficult to effectively protect the public interest, while at the same time advocating for the profession’s interest. Separating the association from the regulatory body provides clarity around these two roles.  

Was there consultation?

A lengthy review consultation was done with registrants and the public. A report was released for member feedback in June 2020. All nine recommendations of the report were accepted and approved by Provincial Council on August 19.  

 

Submit your questions

Contact Us

Toll Free: 1 (800) 252-9392
Tel: (780) 451-0043
Fax: (780) 452-3276
Email: carna@nurses.ab.ca


For media inquiries, please email:
communications@nurses.ab.ca

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