Legislation, Policies, and Processes
Provincial Legislation
The NL College of Nurses derives its authority to regulate the nursing profession from the provincial Nurses Act. The Act establishes the College’s mandate to oversee registration, set standards, and address professional conduct.
Legislation sets out the College’s authority and responsibilities, including regulating Licensed Practical Nurses, Registered Nurses, Nurse Practitioners, and Registered Psychiatric Nurses in the public interest.
By-laws
This legislation is the foundation for all regulatory activities and is supported by the College’s by-laws. These by-laws provide more detailed direction on governance, elections, fees, registration requirements, and decision-making processes. By-laws are approved by the Board of Directors and must align with the legislation.
The College also complies with other applicable legislation in Newfoundland and Labrador, including the Fair Registration Practices Act. This sets expectations for transparency, objectivity, and fairness in registration practices.
Together, legislation and by-laws create the legal and governance framework that guides the College’s decisions and operations.
Operational Policies
In addition to legislation and by-laws, the College maintains internal organizational and operational policies that guide how regulatory responsibilities are carried out in practice. These policies support consistent and accountable decision-making across areas such as registration, conduct, and governance. These key documents to help nurses, applicants, and the public understand how the College operates and how regulatory decisions are made.