June 28, 2022
Registered nurses (RNs) and nurse practitioners (NPs) in Alberta are required to hold professional liability protection as a legislated requirement of holding a permit. The College of Registered Nurses of Alberta (CRNA) bylaws further declare that registrants require coverage through the Canadian Nurses Protective Society (CNPS).
In previous years, professional liability protection from CNPS has been included as part of the permit fee. Based on the College Council decision, and following provincial legislation, the College continues to divest activities that are the purview of the Alberta Association of Nurses (AAN).
Starting for renewing registrants this year (and for all permits effective Oct. 1, 2022, or later), registrants will need to obtain professional liability protection separate from their permit, as the College will no longer be collecting fees on behalf of external organizations to comply with new government legislation.
CNPS protection can be obtained in two ways: either through the Alberta Association of Nurses (AAN) or directly through the CNPS. Members of AAN can benefit from the CNPS group rate. Both options provide registrants with access to the same CNPS Core Services (includes professional liability protection) that registrants have always had.
In addition, the College has divested other activities that results in an adjustment to permit costs. For the Oct. 1, 2022 - Sept. 30, 2023 practice permit, the cost to renew will decrease to $478.89 (plus GST).
More information about fees, inclusions, and process can be found below.
Last year, the combination of the CRNA, CNPS, Canadian Nurses Association (CNA) and Alberta Registered Nurse Educational Trust (ARNET) fee was $656.80 for RNs and $773.87 for NPs. This year, there are three main purchase pathways to choose from. Totals with GST.
CNPS Individual Rate
CRNA Permit Fee
+
CNPS Liability Protection ($88)
$595.23
Save $61.56 from last year
Association Membership, CNPS Group Rate
CRNA Permit Fee
+
Join the Association ($50)
+
CNPS Liability Protection ($68)
$626.73
Save $30.06 from last year
Association Membership, CNPS Group Rate and ARNET Donation
CRNA Permit Fee
+
Join the Association ($50)
+
CNPS Liability Protection ($68)
+
Donate to ARNET ($9.98)
$637.21
Save $19.58 from last year
CNPS Individual Rate
CRNA Permit Fee
+
CNPS Liability Protection ($179.50)
$691.31
Save $77.31 from last year
Association Membership, CNPS Group Rate
CRNA Permit Fee
+
Join the Association ($50)
+
CNPS Liability Protection ($159.50)
$722.81
Save $45.81 from last year
Association Membership, CNPS Group Rate and ARNET Donation
CRNA Permit Fee
+
Join the Association ($50)
+
CNPS Liability Protection ($159.50)
+
Donate to ARNET ($9.98)
$733.29
Save $35.33 from last year
It was established by the Government of Alberta that registrants must be covered by liability insurance under the Registered Nurse Profession Regulation. The CNPS offers legal advice, professional liability protection and assistance with legal proceedings.
No, under the College's bylaws, professional liability protection must come from CNPS to meet this requirement. CNPS offers one of the highest and broadest levels of professional liability protection available, as well as comprehensive education and risk management resources to assist registrants in reducing the risk of harm. CNPS professional liability protection is a requirement of most nursing colleges in Canada.
The past renewal amount paid to the College covered the annual fees of four different organizations:
To comply with the Government of Alberta's Bill 46, the Health Statutes Amendment Act (2020), the College must stop collecting fees on behalf of other organizations. This bill requires all health-related regulatory colleges in Alberta to divest from association functions, which includes collecting fees for other organizations as an activity.
On August 19, 2020, the College Council voted to separate its dual mandates of association and regulator. The College’s single focus is now solely on the regulatory functions. Significant work has occurred by an independent Joint Steering Committee, composed of nurse leaders from all nursing designations, to develop and grow an independent nurses' association - Alberta Association of Nurses (AAN). Registrants have seen a decrease of $25 in their fees to the College to reflect the divestment of this function to AAN.
Alberta’s nurses have always upheld an impeccable standard of care and have been unwavering in their commitment to professional excellence. Now, more than ever, Alberta’s nurses deserve a strong, unified voice to help advocate for their profession and collective wellbeing. By joining the Alberta Association of Nurses (AAN), members can work together to enhance, promote and to advocate for all nursing professions.
The AAN is Alberta’s professional nursing association for active and retired nurses. Membership has many benefits, including the group rate for CNPS Core Services (includes professional liability protection). Membership with the AAN is not required for a permit.
Alberta Association of Nurses' (AAN) members enjoy access to professional development opportunities, many at reduced fees. For example, members will enjoy $100 off AAN's upcoming, highly anticipated, annual conference schedule for May 2023. Membership also includes exclusive discounts on various products and services from community partners, like Bell Canada and WestJet. Additionally, AAN is committed to connecting their members to one another and building a vibrant and engaged community within the nursing profession.
The Health Professions Act states that the role of the College is to carry out its activities and govern its registrants in a manner that protects and serves the public interest. An association advocates on behalf of and promotes the interests of its members. Each have separate functions.
Yes, registrants can join the national association. This is not required to renew a permit.
Yes, ARNET supports all RNs and NPs in Alberta. This is not required to renew a permit.