Participating in Fitness to Practise Process

The Fitness to Practise process is a non-disciplinary program. It supports nurses with medical, physical, mental, or emotional health conditions that have affected their ability to practise safely. 

The goal is to help nurses seek diagnosis and treatment so they can safely practice.

To protect public safety, we and the Fitness to Practise Committee closely monitor this process. The Committee includes nurses and public members.

When might a nurse participate in the program?

The Fitness to Practise process may be considered if concerns arise about a nurse's health. This includes medical, physical, mental, or emotional issues that could affect their ability to practise safely. 

This process may begin when:

  • A complaint is received about a nurse's incapacity
  • Concerns about incapacity are raised during the complaints process
  • Information is provided suggesting a nurse may be unable to practise safely
  • A nurse self-reports an incapacity

Eligibility for the Process

To be referred to Fitness to Practise, a nurse must meet specific eligibility criteria (PDF).

Can a Nurse Continue Working?

Public safety is our top priority. Most nurses in the Fitness to Practise process take time off work to receive treatment and focus on their health before returning to practice.

In rare cases, if reliable information confirms the nurse can practise safely, a nurse may be permitted to continue working under specific conditions. This is determined on a case-by-case basis.

We uphold public trust by being accountable and transparent. One way we do this is by providing a clear overview of our conduct processes in a way that is easy to understand.

However, these processes can be complex, and many factors influence the best action to serve the public interest.

The information on this website is general guidance and not legal advice. If there is any inconsistency between this material and the Nursing Act, regulations, or bylaws, the legislation is the final word.

For a full understanding of the complaint investigation process, you can contact:

If you have any questions, email us at conduct@nscn.ca.

As an organization, we uphold public trust by being accountable and transparent. One of the ways we do this is by sharing a general overview of our conduct processes in a way that everyone can understand. Due to the nature of this work however, these processes can be complex and there are ultimately a number of factors that determine the best course of action to promote the public interest. The material presented in this website is general information only, and is not legal advice. If there is any inconsistency between this information and the Nursing Act, regulations and bylaws, the legislation prevails. As a result, it is best to contact a member of our team, your legal counsel or a union representative to ensure you fully understand the information presented on our website and within the Nursing Act, regulations, and bylaws.