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NEWS RELEASE (CNS931) -->> HEALTH--NEW ACT GOVERNING
REGISTERED NURSES




HEALTH--NEW ACT GOVERNING REGISTERED NURSES
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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.

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Contact: Lori MacLean  902-424-5025

trp                     Dec. 11, 1996 - 3:20 p.m.