A Message from the Board Chair
Nurses,
Welcome to our first official edition of Regulation Matters as the NL College of Nurses!
This newsletter provides an overview of key decisions made by the Board of the Newfoundland and Labrador College of Nurses and highlights important governance updates that support our mandate to regulate nursing in the public interest. The Board remains committed to strong governance, transparency and accountability as we continue to strengthen nursing regulation across our province.
As part of our commitment to transparency and accountability, the agendas and approved minutes from Board of Directors meetings are now posted on our website so nurses and the public can stay informed about decisions and discussions that guide our work.
Thank you for your ongoing dedication to safe, competent and ethical nursing practice. I invite you to read this edition to learn more about the Board’s recent work and priorities.
Tonya Ryan
Chair, Board of Directors
Newfoundland and Labrador College of Nurses
In this issue…
- Board Highlights
- Investigation Policy Approved
- New Retired Nurse Title Approved
- Changes to the Nursing Trust
- 2027 External Auditor Appointed
- Understanding the New Investigation Policy
- Retired Nurse Title: What You Need to Know
- Continuing Education Funding Update
- Stay Connected
Board Highlights
Meeting of the Board
The Board of the Newfoundland and Labrador College of Nurses met on June 3, 2026.
The following are some highlights from the meeting:
- The Board approved a new Investigation Policy to support fair, consistent and timely investigations of complaints and regulatory concerns.
- The Board appointed designated College staff as standing investigators to allow investigations to begin promptly when required.
- The Board approved a revised Notification Policy which addresses publication in the PCR process.
- The Board approved a new by-law allowing eligible former registrants to use the protected title Retired LPN, Retired RN, Retired RPN or Retired NP once the by-law is posted to our website.
- The Board appointed KPMG as the College’s external auditor for the 2026–2027 fiscal year.
- The Board approved discontinuing the collection of NL Registered Nurses’ Trust membership fees effective October 15, 2026.
- The Board directed staff to explore alternate ways to fund the Trust which will provide continuing education for nurses.
Understanding the New Investigation Policy
The Board approved a new Investigation Policy that establishes a consistent framework for how regulatory investigations are initiated.
The policy identifies who may investigate complaints, outlines how investigations are initiated and managed, and supports a fair, objective and transparent process. It also formally authorizes designated College staff—including the Deputy Registrar, Director of Professional Conduct Review and Complaints Officer—to serve as standing investigators for matters requiring investigation before Board deliberation.
These changes are intended to improve consistency and efficiency while ensuring investigations continue to support the College’s public protection mandate.
New ‘Retired Nurse’ Title Approved
The Board approved a new by-law that will allow eligible former registrants to identify themselves as Retired Licensed Practical Nurse (Retired LPN), Retired Registered Nurse (Retired RN), Retired Registered Psychiatric Nurse (Retired RPN), or Retired Nurse Practitioner (Retired NP).
The new designation recognizes an individual’s contribution to the nursing profession while making it clear they are no longer licensed to practise nursing.
To use the title, an individual must have retired from the profession in good standing and must not provide nursing care or represent themselves as currently licensed.
The by-law is now in effect and has been formally posted on the College’s website.
Continuing Education Funding Update
The Board approved discontinuing the collection of the NL Registered Nurses’ Education & Research Trust membership fees effective October 15, 2026.
Recognizing the important role the Trust has played in supporting continuing education for nurses, the Board also directed staff to explore alternative funding options to continue supporting education for registrants.
The endowments are fully funded and not impacted. Further information will be shared by the Trust as this work progresses.
Independent Audit Supports Accountability
The Board appointed KPMG as the College’s external auditor for the fiscal year ending March 31, 2027. Each year, an independent audit provides assurance that the College’s financial statements accurately reflect its financial position and that resources are being managed responsibly in support of the College’s public protection mandate.
Stay Connected
Follow the College on social media for the latest news, updates, events, and important announcements.