The Nova Scotia Government passed the Regulated Health Professions Act (RHPA), which establishes a common and consistent regulatory framework for all health professions in Nova Scotia. All health profession regulators are planned to transition to the RHPA by summer 2026.

The Midwifery Regulatory Council of Nova Scotia (MRCNS) and NSCN have been instructed by the Department of Health and Wellness to combine/amalgamate into a single regulator when they transition to the RHPA in mid 2026. The single regulator will be responsible for the regulation of both professions of midwifery and nursing – a multi-profession regulator.

Work is underway and key milestones to date include:

  • Regular meetings of the amalgamation Steering Committee, comprised of Senior Leadership and staff of each regulator
  • Strategic alignment discussion with the Department of Health and Wellness
  • Joint staff workshop focused on priority setting and project planning
  • Engagement of third-party legal experts to support the amalgamation process
  • A joint board meeting to initiate the development of a multi-profession governance framework

Together, MRCNS and NSCN bring a collective 130 years of regulatory experience in Nova Scotia. As we work towards becoming a single regulator, we look forward to ongoing collaboration with our partners and interested parties to ensure we continue to benefit Nova Scotians and the health system. 

Our approach to creating a multi-profession regulator is founded on the principle that midwifery and nursing are unique self-identifying professions with distinct scopes of practice, entry to practice requirements, knowledge, skills and abilities. This is an amalgamation of regulatory bodies, and not a merger of professions. 

Question and Answer 

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The Nova Scotia Government has instructed MRCNS and NSCN to transition to the new Regulated Health Professions Act in mid 2026. 

Yes. As work progresses there will be opportunities for registrant and public feedback on proposed by-laws for the amalgamated regulator. Opportunities for feedback will be posted on our websites and sent out by email. In the meantime, if you have any questions or feedback, please contact MRCNS at info@mrcns.ca and NSCN at information@nscn.ca.

Yes. The British Columbia College of Nurses and Midwives (BCCNM) and the College of Registered Nurses and Midwives of Prince Edward Island (CRNMPEI). Once amalgamated, Nova Scotia will be the third province with a multi-profession regulator for midwives and nurses.