LPN, RN, RPN Scope of Practice project

​​​The LPN, RN, and RPN scope of practice documents have been transitioned to practice standards and learning resources. This is part of our preparation for the  Health Professions and Occupations Act (HPOA) taking effect April 1, 2026.

• Read more about HPOA-related standard updates​
  

• Visit the HPOA resource centre​
  

The following video explains ​why we made ​this change, and includes helpful tips for navigating the website and where to find the standards.​

• Download the video presentation ​
  
  

Questions? 

​Connect with our Standards support team​. ​​​

​Practice standards and learning resources

How have the standards changed?

• The standards have not changed. There were no changes and no additions made to the scope of practice requirements, or to the limits & conditions in the transition of the scope documents into practice standards.  
  

Where are the limits and conditions from the previous scope documents?

• The limits & conditions are at the end of the practice standards: Content relating to the nursing regulations is in the Limits & Conditions sections of the Acting within Autonomous Scope of Practice and Acting with Client-specific Orders practice standards.
  

What about the rest of the content?

• We've put it into learning modules: We have a series of ​amazing new learning modules that include all the information. Remember that as a nurse, you are responsible and accountable know about your regulations and what you are allowed to perform (or not to perform). The modules are interactive and engaging. Check them out below!​
  

I hear there are new regulations coming. What's that about?

That is correct! Government has announced the Health Professions and Occupations Act will come into effect April 1, 2026. At the same time, the existing nursing regulations will be replaced by a new Nurses and Midwives Regulation and complemented by some new regulations.  We have created dedicated resource pages for this work:

• Read more about the HPOA
• Read more about the new regulations

Do I need to start making changes to my practice?

No. In the same way that practice didn't change when we rescinded the scope documents, the new regulations do not set out changes to nursing practice. The changes are to the format and location of regulations. For example, a new Regulated Health Practitioners Regulation lists restricted activities that can be performed by health professionals. This listing is intended to help the public understand the restricted activities health professionals are authorized to perform. Read more»

Learning resources​