Generalist NP Permits are Coming to Alberta

Starting in October 2026, nurse practitioner (NP) permits in Alberta will move to a new generalist authorization. The introduction of a generalist NP permit aligns with broader national changes as a part of the Nurse Practitioner Regulation Framework Implementation Plan Project in Canada, which supports workforce mobility and provides clarity for both NPs and the public.

How NPs are Currently Regulated

 Currently, NPs in Alberta are registered in one of four streams of practice restricted by population:

• Family/All Ages
• Adult
• Child
• Neonatal 

What is Changing

On Oct. 1, 2026, NPs in the Family/All Ages, Adult and Child streams of practice will all be registered as generalist NPs. Neonatal NPs will remain a distinct stream of practice. 

• 2025-2026 practice year (Oct. 1, 2025 - Sept. 30, 2026): there will be no changes to streams of practice and NPs will complete their renewal or return to practice applications as normal.
• 2026-2027 practice year (Oct. 1, 2026 - Sept. 30, 2027): NPs will complete their renewal or return to practice applications as normal.
  • If they are currently registered as Family/All Ages, Adult or Child they will receive a generalist NP permit.
  • If they hold a neonatal NP permit, there will be no change to their permit and neonatal NPs will still be restricted to providing care for the neonatal population. 

Restrictions on Practice

NPs with a generalist permit will not be restricted to working with a specific patient population, but their responsibilities to provide safe, competent and ethical care do not change. NPs are expected to practise only in areas in which they are competent. This includes having the appropriate education, clinical training and experience to provide safe patient care.  

Moving to New Areas of Practice

The removal of population-specific permit conditions does not mean NPs can automatically move into a new area of practice. NPs must take reasonable steps to ensure they are competent before making this transition. This may include additional education, mentorship, supervised practice or other forms of professional development, depending on the nature of the new area of practice. 

Next Steps

The CRNA will be providing regular updates on this transition. For questions about how this may affect your practice, please contact Practice Guidance.