News Release Archive
NEWS RELEASE (CNS931) -->> HEALTH--NEW ACT GOVERNING REGISTERED NURSES HEALTH--NEW ACT GOVERNING REGISTERED NURSES ----------------------------------------------------------------- A new act governing registered nurses introduced today by Health Minister Bernie Boudreau, provides greater protection for the public. The new act is intended to improve the registration, licensing and discipline procedures of the Registered Nurses Association of Nova Scotia, which regulates the practice of nursing in Nova Scotia. In the new act, the primary mandate of the association - to protect the public interest - is recognized. The new act will help to ensure Nova Scotians receive quality health care. The definition of nursing has been updated to recognize the role of nurses in an evolving health care system. In the act, the complaints process has been improved to allow for a more efficient, fair and economical process. The new act allows a complaints committee to issue a caution, a counsel, a reprimand, dismiss a complaint, send the complaint on to discipline or to negotiate a settlement proposal with the respondent. The act sets out clear steps to be followed in a disciplinary action. There are improved definitions of incapacity, incompetence and professional misconduct. The appeals procedure for disciplinary issues will include a lay representative. As part of a fairer and modern licensing and discipline procedure, a new committee has been established to hear appeals when registration is denied. Overall, the changes reflect a modern trend to more vigorous self-regulation of professions. There are approximately 9,500 registered nurses in Nova Scotia. -30- Contact: Lori MacLean 902-424-5025 trp Dec. 11, 1996 - 3:20 p.m.