Public consultations
Have your say
CNO partners with members of the public to support safe nursing care for everyone in Ontario. One way we do this is by asking you what you think about information we develop.
When we create new resources about nursing practice, or propose changes to practice standards, guidelines and by-laws, we will post them here. We invite you to read them and send us your comments. See below for details and deadlines for submitting feedback.
We consider all comments we receive when we create new materials that support safe nursing care.
Current consultations
CNO welcomes your feedback on revisions to previously circulated draft regulations that propose changes to the education registration requirements currently under the Nursing Act, 1991. These revisions are based on system partner feedback from the initial public consultation and are informed by evidence.
Background
In December 2023, CNO Council considered feedback from a public consultation on proposed regulations to amend the education requirement for registration in Ontario. Since then, CNO continued to engage with system partners to further inform and revise these regulations in the public interest.
In March 2024, CNO Council supported the recirculation of amended draft regulations. The revisions align with CNO’s strategic plan’s goal: to support our registration processes being evidence-informed, fair, inclusive and effective. They also help increase health human resources in Ontario.
Summary of changes
The most prominent revision to the proposed regulation includes clarification of the requirement for
- a nursing baccalaureate degree, approved or recognized in any jurisdiction, for registration in the General Class for Registered Nurse (RN) applicants
- a nursing diploma, approved or recognized in any jurisdiction, for registration in the General Class for Registered Practical Nurse (RPN) applicants
All applicants need to have their education validated by CNO as approved or recognized in the jurisdiction where they studied.
Approved or recognized nursing education that is not at a baccalaureate level for RN applicants or diploma level for RPN applicants will undergo an assessment. Applicants will have options to meet the education requirement if their nursing education is not at this level.
Current nurses registered in Ontario are not impacted by this proposed regulation. For example, Ontario RNs who currently hold a diploma are not expected to obtain additional education.
The proposed requirement for all applicants to complete a course to support the successful integration of applicants into the Canadian health care system has not changed since the previous consultation. We are not seeking further input on this change.
How to give your feedback
- Review the summary of the proposed regulation changes under the Nursing Act, 1991 along with the rationale explaining each proposed change.
- Complete this online survey to provide your feedback. The survey will take approximately five minutes to complete. This consultation closes on Tuesday, May 7, 2024.
Council will review your feedback to determine if the proposed changes are in the public interest. If supported by Council, the regulations will be sent to the Ministry of Health for consideration and approval, which is required for the regulation to take effect.
