Issue 3 | August 2026
Regulatory Updates
Licensure Reminders
- College By-laws require all nurses notify the College of a change in name, address or employer information within 30 days of the change. You can update this information by completing a profile update the College’s Nurse Portal.
- Ensure that you log your CCP learning activities in the College’s Nurse Portal throughout the year. Logging your learning early will make your licensure renewal process quicker and more efficient.
- You are required to report any pending charges and criminal convictions to the College immediately. You must also report if your licence in another province/territory is under review, allegation/complaint filed, or if your licence has been suspended or restricted. Contact registration@nlcn.ca.
- If you work in, or a considering employment in a non-traditional role or self-employment including contract work, you should review the College’s Scope of Practice Framework, self-employment document and complete the College’s online Non-Traditional Roles Attestation Form or the self-employment checklist (Appendix A in the self-employment document).
The College Connection Podcast: Learn, Stay Informed & Earn CCP Credit
The College Connection Podcast is back for a new condensed season, with new episodes released every Tuesday (excluding holiday weeks)! Created for all nurses in Newfoundland and Labrador — RNs, RPNs, LPNs, and NPs — the podcast explores important regulatory, professional practice, and nursing topics. Each episode can be used as a learning activity toward your Continuing Competency Program (CCP), making it an easy and engaging way to support your ongoing professional development.
Watch the latest episode, “Before You Do It – Understanding Scope of Practice S6E4” below and catch up on the new season on the College’s YouTube channel or listen wherever you get your podcasts.
Explore The College Connection Podcast
Practice Update
Explore Our New Online Experience
The NL College of Nurses launched its website April 2026, created to support you in your practice. We encourage you to take a few moments to explore the layout, enhanced navigation, and expanded resources available across the site.
Check out episode 2 of the College Connection Podcast for tips on how to navigate the website.
The website for the new College has been thoughtfully designed with your needs in mind—take the time to discover all it has to offer.
Looking for a College Document?
The Newfoundland and Labrador College of Nurses offers a range of resources to support safe and effective nursing practice.
As part of the transition from CLPNNL and CRNNL to the NL College of Nurses, many documents have been combined into shared resources for nurses across the province. While most documents apply to all nurses, some are specific to LPNs, RNs, NPs, or RPNs.
Visit the Standards and Practice page on the College website to explore these resources.
Continuing Competency Program (CCP) Audit
The College has now begun the 2026 CCP Audit for learning activities submitted as part of the 2026–2027 licensure renewal process. Each year, nurses are randomly selected to participate in this audit.
If you receive notification from the College, we strongly encourage you to review the available CCP resources and respond promptly. Should you have any questions, the College team is available to provide support and guidance.
Legislative Update
Changes Affecting Controlled Substances
Federal Changes
On October 1, 2026, new federal Controlled Substances Regulations will take effect, modernizing and consolidating requirements for controlled substances in Canada.
The changes will affect Nurse Practitioners who prescribe or handle controlled substances, including updated requirements related to prescribing, record-keeping, security, transportation, and the handling and destruction of returned controlled substances.
Click here to read more about the federal government’s changes
Provincial Changes
Newfoundland and Labrador has also updated requirements under the Tamper Resistant Prescription Drug Pad Program.
A tamper-resistant prescription pad is no longer required when a controlled-drug prescription is sent directly from the prescriber to the dispensing pharmacy, including through approved electronic or verbal methods.
If a physical prescription is provided to the patient to take to a pharmacy, a tamper-resistant prescription pad is still required.
Click here to read more about the provincial government’s changes
Research Opportunities
Opportunity for Input – Aesthetic Services Practice Guideline
The College is seeking feedback on the draft version of the Aesthetic Services Practice Guideline.
Registrants are asked to review the draft document and complete a short feedback survey.
The deadline to submit your response is September 13, 2026.
Annual General Meeting
The 2026 Annual General Meeting will be held via Teams on Thursday, September 10. All members of the Trust are welcome to attend. Visit AGM 2026 for details.
Fall Funding Competition
Applications are now being accepted from RNs and NPs for the Trust’s Fall funding competition. The deadline to apply is October 15th.
Evidence-Informed Practice
NCSBN’s Journal of Nursing Regulation (JNR) available free until Dec. 31, 2026
JNR’s special collection of highly regarded articles focused on Substance Use Disorder Spotlight, will be offered free of charge through Dec. 31, 2026.
Product Alert
Full Notice: Government Affairs distributes public safety notice released by Eli Lilly Canada related to the unapproved, illegal selling of Retatrutide on the black market.
Professional Development Opportunities
Canadian Centre on Substance Use and Addiction
Register for the Managing Substance Use and the Workplace Workshop Nov 24-25/26 Halifax NS
Gardiner Centre
Enhance your skills and knowledge through professional development offerings available at the Gardiner Centre.
NLCSU 2026 Webinar Sessions
Registration is now open for upcoming webinar sessions focused on harm reduction and substance use health:
- Project Echo Session 6: September 23, 2026: Trauma Informed Care: The Brain-Body Connection
- Project Echo Session 7: October 28, 2026: Managing Simulant Intoxication and Withdrawal in Clinal Practice
Questions? Please contact nlcsu@nlhealthservices.ca.
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