Nurse Practitioner Frequently Asked Questions

These frequently asked questions (FAQs) provide practical guidance for nurse practitioners (NPs) on emerging practice questions, new or changing practice models, and upcoming regulatory changes. They are intended to support NPs in understanding how legislation and CRNA standards apply in day-to-day practice across a range of settings.

These FAQs provide timely guidance where formal standards or practice advice may still be in development. In some areas of independent or clinic-based practice, external resources may be referenced to support patient safety and clinic operations. These resources are in addition to the CRNA's standards.

These FAQs will be updated as requirements change.

Frequently Asked Questions

NP Permits

What is changing with NP practice permits in Alberta?

Effective for the 2026-2027 renewal period, Alberta will transition from the three population-based NP permits (All Ages, Adult, Child) to a single NP permit. The new NP permit authorizes NPs to provide care across the lifespan and in diverse practice settings.

Does this affect neonatal NP permits?

No. The neonatal NP permit remains unchanged. Neonatal NPs are authorized to provide care only to neonates, based on population-specific education and clinical preparation.

How will this change affect my permit renewal for the 2026-2027 practice year?

If you hold an All Ages, Adult or Child NP permit, you will automatically be transitioned to the new NP permit during the 2026-2027 renewal period.
If you hold a neonatal NP permit, there will be no change to your permit or renewal process.

Will I have to meet new requirements to get the new permit?

No. You will complete your permit renewal as usual, provided you continue to meet the CRNA’s existing registration requirements.

Does the new NP permit mean I can work with any patient population right away?

No. The permit authorizes practice across the lifespan but solely holding a permit does not expand your competence. You are accountable for practising only in areas where you have the necessary knowledge, clinical training and experience to provide safe, competent and ethical care.

With the new NP permit, can I move into a different practice setting or population without additional preparation?

Not automatically. The new NP permit authorizes practice across the lifespan. It does not automatically mean you are competent to practise in every setting or with every population. Before changing practice focus, you must assess whether you have the knowledge, clinical preparation and experience to provide safe, competent and ethical care in that new context.

If you identify gaps, you are expected to seek appropriate education and supervised clinical preparation before expanding your practice. In many cases, this means contacting an approved NP education program, such as the University of Alberta or Athabasca University, to determine what additional coursework and/or clinical hours may be required.

For example:
• An Adult NP who has worked in acute care internal medicine will require additional preparation in pediatrics and maternity care before moving into primary care.
• A Family-All Ages NP who has worked in a primary care clinic will require additional preparation before entering hospital-based or inpatient specialty practice.
• A Child NP who has worked in an outpatient pediatric specialty clinic will require additional preparation before expanding into adult care.

What if I want to change between NP and neonatal NP permits?

NP and neonatal NP permits are not interchangeable. To change permit types, you must:

successfully complete an approved entry-level NP education program for the new permit type, and
meet all CRNA registration and examination requirements.

A registrant may hold both NP permits if they meet the requirements and remain competent in both roles.

Why is this change happening?

This change is part of the national Nurse Practitioner Regulation Framework Implementation Plan Project (NPR-FIPP), which aims to align NP regulation across Canada. The goals are to support public protection, improve workforce mobility and provide clarity for NPs and the public.

Scope of Practice, Competence and Standards

What is a “significant change in practice?”

A significant change in practice occurs when you plan to change or expand your practice in a way that requires new or substantially different knowledge, skills or judgment. This may include:

Entering a new clinical area
Serving a different population
Performing a new or unfamiliar procedures

Not all changes are significant. Routine development within your established role may not require the same level of preparation.

If a change increases clinical risk, you are expected to plan appropriate preparation before independently providing care.

How do I know if I am competent to provide a specific service?

Before providing care, you should consider:

The population you are serving
The practice environment
The level of clinical risk
Your education, training and experience
Your access to consultation or mentorship

Competence is not based on personal confidence alone. You must be able to explain how you developed and maintain the competence required for the care you provide.

If you are working in a specialty service where you occasionally see patients outside your original education and/or education, you must assess whether you are competent to perform the specific activities you are undertaking.

Even in a team model where another provider also assesses the patient, you remain individually accountable for the care you provide. If you are assessing, ordering, recommending or contributing to clinical decisions, you must have the knowledge and skill required for that population and level of risk.

Should new-to-practice NPs or those changing their practice area seek mentorship from experienced NPs or physicians?

New-to-practice NPs are encouraged to seek mentorship from experienced, competent NPs or physicians during the first 18 months of practice, or when transitioning from one practice area to another (e.g., moving from acute care to primary care). Mentorship serves to bridge the gap between education and professional practice (or changing practice areas), enabling NPs to fully understand their scope of practice while developing the necessary knowledge, confidence and competence.

Mentorship can involve coaching, teaching, advising and support. To be most impactful, the mentor should have the expertise in the skillset the mentee wants to develop. A clinical mentor helps:

Answer clinical questions
Develop new skills
Identify opportunities for improvement
Share learning opportunities

Non-clinical mentorship is also encouraged. Non-clinical mentorship may cover topics such as business considerations, contract negotiations, workplace challenges and self-care.

The NPPCP provides NP mentorship support. More information can be found in the Nurse Practitioner Primary Care Program guide, page 5.

Do I need to document how I develop competence in a new area?

Yes. You should maintain documentation that supports how you developed, maintained and assessed your competence, particularly when:

Gaining new competencies
Performing a new or unfamiliar procedure
Undergoing a significant change in practice

This documentation supports your professional judgment if questions arise about scope of practice, competence or patient safety. It does not replace continuing competence requirements.

Do education or training courses always meet provincial legislation and federal requirements?

Not necessarily. Education or certificates alone do not authorize practice.

What you need to do:

Verify that any education or training aligns with the CRNA's standards, legislation and federal requirements.
Select evidence-informed programs that include supervised, hands-on practice where appropriate.
Be cautious of programs that suggest completion alone authorizes you to practise.
Maintain documentation demonstrating how you achieved competence.

What title should I use when practising as an NP?

NPs must use the title, abbreviation or initials that are consistent with the category on the CRNA register on which they are registered. This means identifying themselves as “Nurse Practitioner” or “NP” when providing NP services.

Regulated professional staff must make the public aware of their names and professional designations, and registrants are required to practise using their legal names.

If an NP holds an academic doctoral degree (e.g., PhD), certifications or credentials, these may be listed after their name.

The NP designation must remain clearly identified. Titles, credentials, or abbreviations must not be used in a way that states or implies registration in another regulated category.

Examples:
Jane Smith, NP
Jane Smith, NP, PhD
Jane Smith, NP, FNP-BC

Resource: Use of Title Standards

Do CPSA standards apply to NPs, and which ones should I be familiar with?

While CPSA standards apply to physicians, some CPSA documents may be helpful references for NPs working in similar clinical or operational settings. Applicable CPSA documents include:

The CRNA establishes the standards and practice expectations that apply to NPs. In some areas of independent or clinic-based practice, additional NP-specific standards or practice advice may still be in development.

Where appropriate, CPSA standards may be used as a reference to support clinic operations and patient safety expectations in similar practice environments.

Practice Models and Funding

How do NPs practise in Alberta?

NPs practise in a variety of models across Alberta. These include employer-based roles, independent, and publicly funded primary care programs. The CRNA regulates NPs across all practice models. Employment structure or funding arrangements do not change an NP’s legislated scope of practice, professional accountability or obligation to meet the CRNA's standards.

Can NPs receive direct funding from the government to provide health services?

NPs may receive direct government funding only through the Nurse Practitioner Primary Care Program (NPPCP). Eligibility, agreements and payment structures are determined and administered by the Government of Alberta. Participation in the NPPCP does not change an NP’s legislated scope of practice or professional accountability.

How can I apply to the NPPCP?

Applications must be submitted directly to the Government of Alberta. You do not need to send your application to the CRNA. Information about eligibility and the application process is available on the Government of Alberta website. You may also contact the Nurse Practitioner Association of Alberta (NPAA) for additional information.

Establishing and Managing an NP Clinic

Where can I find more information about independent practice as an NP in Alberta?

NPs practising in self-employed or independent roles must meet all applicable CRNA standards and legislative requirements.

Review the CRNA's practice advice on self-employed practice.
Confirm your practice model aligns with regulatory and legislative expectations. This means you should be able to describe your role, services, and setting; ensure you have the competence to provide those services; and check relevant laws and CRNA requirements before starting or changing your practice.

What is required to begin operations for a Nurse Practitioner clinic in Alberta?

Before opening your clinic, ensure you’re prepared to meet all applicable operational requirements, privacy and CRNA standards.

1. Complete Alberta Health business and facility registration forms:

Facility Registration Form (AHC0910A): To register a clinic and NPs providing services. The College of Physicians & Surgeons of Alberta will provide a letter for the outlined requirement “copy of the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Alberta Clinic Registration Letter” by calling CPSA Clinic Registry at 780-969-5001 or email clinicregistry@cpsa.ab.ca.
Business Arrangement and Relationships Application Form (AHC11236): To create and modify business arrangements and their associated relationships to be able to receive payment from Alberta Health.
Practitioner Identification Number/Prac ID (AHC11234): To register NPs and create business arrangements.

The forms noted above can all be found at the Government of Alberta's Health Professional Business Forms. Also, be sure to review:

Self-employed Practice: CRNA's Self-employed Practice
Privacy: CRNA's Privacy and Management of Health Information Standards and the NP Privacy FAQs (below).
Infection Prevention and Control: CRNA's Infection Prevention and Control Standards and NP Infection Prevention & Control FAQs (below).
Alberta Government Personal Services Regulation

2. Register with the Tracked Prescription Program if you will be prescribing medications prone to misuse.

3. Obtain a Workers' Compensation Board (WCB) Billing Number if you will be treating WCB patients. Additional Alberta Health resources that you may find helpful:

What should I consider when naming my clinic?

Choose a name that clearly reflects your area of practice and services. Follow the CRNA's Advertising Standards and the Code of Ethics. Keep it factual and transparent. Your name should not mislead, imply superiority or create unrealistic expectations. You are responsible for how your clinic name is used across all platforms — oral, print and/or electronic. Signage should help people identify your clinic without solicitation. These guidelines apply to all clinic types (e.g. uninsured services and publicly funded health services) no matter the services offered.

Does the College of Registered Nurses of Alberta (CRNA) regulate clinics?

The CRNA is responsible for regulating NPs and RNs in Alberta. The CRNA does not regulate clinics. Instead, the CRNA is responsible for regulating NPs' practice within clinics.

If an NP is engaged in independent practice, or if the NP is the clinic director, they are accountable and responsible to ensure the clinic meets the requirements for the safe delivery of patient care (e.g. supervision, infection prevention and control measures, properly credentialed and trained staff, protection of patient health information).

Please see the clinic director questions below for more information.

Is CRNA approval needed for an NP to form a corporation?

In Alberta, nurse practitioners can form corporations to offer professional services without the CRNA’s approval. This is different from the requirements faced by other health care professionals such as physicians, dentists, chiropractors and optometrists, who must obtain approval from their respective regulatory college and a permit for a professional corporation.

NPs can form a corporation by following the Government of Alberta’s guidelines for incorporating a business, which can be found here. It is recommended to consult with the Canadian Nurses Protective Society, an accountant and a lawyer to explore the options available to you.

Do NP clinics require a clinic director?

All NPs are accountable for the care they provide to their patients and to follow the applicable legislation, regulations and the CRNA’s Standards of Practice.

Federal and provincial legislation often refers to a “medical practitioner” as someone who can practise medicine. The terms “medical practice” and “medical director” are most commonly associated with physician practice.

Clinic director is therefore the preferred term for an NP in this role, rather than medical director.

In practice settings with multiple providers and staff, a clinic director is responsible for overseeing the non-clinical aspects of the clinic (e.g. staffing, advertising, infection prevention and control requirements, and safe handling of health records) and assisting with establishing policies and procedures for the clinic to guide safe patient care.

What are the roles and responsibilities of a clinic director?

A clinic director is accountable for the overall leadership of the clinic to ensure the safe, competent and ethical delivery of patient care. Clinic director responsibilities may include, but are not limited to:

Overall leadership of the clinic
Ensuring all staff have the appropriate qualifications to perform their roles
Quality assurance and improvement
Ensuring staff within the clinic (including regulated and non-regulated staff) are following clinic policies, processes and procedures
Ensuring the clinic aligns with legislative and regulatory requirements, the CRNA’s Standards of Practice, guidelines, advice to the profession and other regulatory documents, including but not limited to: Advertising Standards, Infection Prevention and Control Standards, Documentation Standards, Privacy and Management of Health Information Standards, Privacy and Security Policies for Custodians, Interprofessional Collaboration Guidelines, Use of Title Standards, and Use of the Title "Doctor" or "Dr."
Ensuring the public is aware of clinic members’ names and specific roles within the clinic.

What Infection Prevention and Control (IPC) Standards should I consider?

Maintaining a safe, clean, and compliant clinic is essential for patient care and professional practice. Here are key steps to meet IPC requirements:

1. Become familiar with general IPC standards:

2. Review reusable and single-use medical device resources:

Privacy

Do I need to prepare a privacy impact assessment (PIA) to open my own primary care NP clinic?

A PIA is required by a custodian any time there are:

New administrative practices or information systems relating to the collection, use and disclosure of individually identifying health information
Changes to existing administrative practices or information systems relating to the collection, use and disclosure of individually identifying health information Privacy and Security Polices for Custodians provides NPs with a template for the development of policies and procedures custodians can use when submitting a PIA to the Office of the Information and Privacy Commissioner of Alberta (OIPC)

Custodian as defined in the HIA (2000). A custodian includes the following:

hospital boards, nursing home operators, provincial health boards
ambulance operators, regional health authority, the Health Quality Council of Alberta, licensed pharmacies
health-care professionals that are designated under the Health Information Regulation (Alta Reg 70/2001).

What privacy requirements must be considered before opening an NP clinic?

NPs must review and understand their duties to protect patient privacy, including: the Privacy and Management of Health Information Standards and Privacy and Security Policies for Custodians.

Additional resources include:

Health Information Act (HIA) and HIA Health Information Regulation (2000)
Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act (FOIP) (2000)
FOIP resources
Personal Information Protection Act (PIPA) (2003)
PIPA resources
Office of the Information and Privacy Commissioner of Alberta (OIPC) resources

Alberta Health (AH) HIA resources are available to assist with understanding the rules governing and protecting health information in the custody or under the control of a custodian:

The HIA Help Desk at 780-427-8089 (toll free 310-0000) or HIAhelpdesk@gov.ab.ca
HIA Guidelines and Practices Manual
HIA Guidelines and Practices Manual, Duty to Notify
HIA Guidelines and Practices Manual, Amendments

How should an NP maintain health records in their primary care NP clinic or in a primary care network (PCN)?

Registrants should follow the Documentation Standards for patient records. Additional information can also be found in the Privacy and Management of Health Information Standards.

Can I use the same electronic medical record (EMR) in more than one practice location or clinic?

The NPs access to an EMR is limited by the agreements and privacy requirements under which it was provided. Access to an EMR in one clinic or organization does not authorize its use for providing care through a different organization or clinic, even if you are still able to log in. NPs who practice in more than one setting must ensure they are authorized to use the EMR in each location where they provide care. Using an EMR outside the purpose for which access was granted may constitute unauthorized access.

What do NPs need to consider before using artificial intelligence (AI) tools in clinical practice?

AI tools, including AI scribes may collect, use, store or transmit individually identifying health information. Their use must comply with Alberta privacy legislation and the CRNA's standards.

Before implementing AI tools in practice, NPs should:

Review the CRNA’s Artificial Intelligence Practice Advice.
Determine whether they are acting as a custodian under the Health Information Act (HIA).
Assess how the AI tool collects, uses, stores, discloses and safeguards patient information.
Confirm the vendor’s privacy and security practices align with legislative requirements.
Consider whether patient notification or consent is required.

NPs remain accountable for the accuracy of documentation, clinical decision making and the protection of health information, regardless of whether AI tools are used.

Office of the Information and Privacy Commissioner of Alberta (OIPC) relevant resources:

Do I need to complete a Privacy Impact Assessment (PIA) before using AI tools?

Under the Health Information Act, custodians must complete and submit a PIA when introducing a new information system or administrative practice that involves the collection, use or disclosure of individually identifying health information.

The implementation of AI tools, including AI scribes or documentation platforms, may trigger this requirement.

A PIA identifies privacy risks and describes how those risks will be mitigated. PIAs are submitted to the OIPC, as required under legislation.

NPs should review the following documents from the OIPC and the CRNA:

If unsure whether a PIA is required, NPs should seek guidance before implementing the AI tool.

Uninsured Services and Selling Products

What expectation does CRNA have regarding NPs providing uninsured services?

NPs must be aware of potential conflicts of interest when providing uninsured services (e.g., uninsured aesthetic treatments), alongside publicly funded health services. The CRNA expects NPs to act in the patient’s best interests and not be affected or influenced by other competing interests such as financial, non-financial, direct or indirect transactions. Equitable access to publicly funded health services in accordance with the CNA Code of Ethics should be prioritized.

When offering uninsured services, NPs must avoid using their position to promote uninsured services or products to patients.

Patients receiving uninsured NP services should not receive preferential access to publicly funded services. NPs participating in the NPPCP program have additional requirements (Nurse Practitioner Primary Care Program guide, page 6).

Patients receiving publicly funded health services should not feel obligated or offered incentives to access uninsured services. Patients should be able to clearly distinguish between uninsured services and publicly funded health services to avoid any perception of NP influence. The NP may want to consider business practices that include separate physical spaces, distinct operating hours and unique advertising such as signage, phone numbers and websites.

Referrals to NP uninsured services should only occur when no viable alternatives exist for the patient’s needs.

If an NP provides both uninsured and publicly funded health services, documentation of any conflict-of-interest disclosure must be made in the patient’s record.

What should NPs know about charging fees for uninsured services and selling products?

NPs can charge reasonable fees for uninsured services, ensuring they follow ethical and transparent practices. As per the Health Professions Act, NPs cannot sell medications. They may sell other products, ensuring prices do not exceed fair market value plus reasonable handling costs.

It is important to note that the CRNA does not prescribe specific fee amounts for uninsured services or products. Instead, NPs are expected to set reasonable fees that reflect professional and administrative costs while considering patients' financial circumstances.

Additional resources that you may find helpful:

Prescribing

Nurse Practitioners (NPs) in Alberta must meet all CRNA standards applicable to their practice, including the Prescribing Standards for Nurse Practitioners and Medication Management Standards, before prescribing any medication. This includes demonstrating appropriate knowledge, skill, and judgment, and ensuring prescribing aligns with evidence-informed practice and regulatory requirements.

Does the authorized prescriber have to see the patient in person?

The authorized prescriber must assess the patient before ordering any medication or therapy and plan follow-up. Virtual assessment is acceptable only when clinically appropriate. For example, in medical aesthetics, visual assessment is often required for safe dosing and risk assessments with injectables.

How often should the authorized prescriber reassess the patient?

Reassessment depends on the patient’s condition and treatment goals. Be clear in the treatment plan about when another provider (e.g. an injector in an aesthetics clinic) may proceed and when the authorized prescriber must reassess. At minimum, reassess annually. Reassess sooner if the patient’s health changes, outcomes differ or adverse events occur. Be sure to renew patient consent when the treatment plan changes.

Does every patient require a medication order? Can I use standing orders?

Every patient requires a patient-specific order written by an authorized prescriber. Standing orders are not permitted. Orders should be written whenever possible. Verbal orders (including by telephone) are acceptable only in urgent or emergent circumstances. Protocols or order sets must be patient-specific and signed by an authorized prescriber. Do not write broad ranges without explicit criteria. On the day of treatment, the regulated professional administering the medication must verify that the patient meets the criteria. If not, they must contact the authorized prescriber for reassessment.

What education and training are required to prescribe Opioid Agonist Therapy (OAT)?

Nurse practitioners must meet requirements for education and/or preceptorship to prescribe OAT as per CRNA standards. Acceptable training programs include:

Can NPs prescribe psychedelics in Alberta?

Psychedelic substances, including ketamine, are highly regulated in Alberta. Before engaging in any psychedelic-assisted therapy, NPs must contact Alberta Health’s Compliance and Monitoring branch to confirm all licensing and regulatory requirements.

General provider licensing inquiries: (780)427-8740
Complaints or service concerns: (780) 422-4703
Toll-free (within Alberta): Dial 310-0000
Email: amh.cam@gov.ab.ca

NPs may prescribe ketamine if the drug is not prescribed as part of psychedelic-assisted psychotherapy (e.g., ketamine used for procedural sedation). NPs prescribing designated psychedelic drugs must do so in alignment with the Mental Health Services Protection Regulation and the Psychedelic Drug Treatment Services Standards.

Can NPs prescribe anabolic steroids (beyond testosterone)?

The CRNA's Prescribing Standards for Nurse Practitioners is currently undergoing review as outlined in Section 133 of the Health Professions Act. The CRNA recognizes that practice needs evolve and aims to be a responsive regulator serving the public interest.

While the review of Prescribing Standards for Nurse Practitioners is ongoing, the CRNA's NP registrants are not prohibited from prescribing anabolic steroids (beyond testosterone) as supported by Subsection 56(1) of Class Exemption for Nurse Practitioners to Prescribe Anabolic Steroids for Therapeutic Use. If NPs adhere to competent prescribing of anabolic steroids in appropriate practice settings, the CRNA will not regard this as a breach of the NP prescribing standards during the interim period.

Patient Relationships and Continuity of Care

Does the College of Registered Nurses of Alberta (CRNA) regulate clinics?

The CRNA is responsible for regulating NPs and RNs in Alberta. The CRNA does not regulate clinics. Instead, the CRNA is responsible for regulating NPs' practice within clinics.

If an NP is engaged in independent practice, or if the NP is the clinic director, they are accountable and responsible to ensure the clinic meets the requirements for the safe delivery of patient care (e.g. supervision, infection prevention and control measures, properly credentialed and trained staff, protection of patient health information).

Please see the clinic director questions below for more information.

Do NP clinics require a clinic director?

All NPs are accountable for the care they provide to their patients and to follow the applicable legislation, regulations and the CRNA’s Standards of Practice.

Federal and provincial legislation often refers to a “medical practitioner” as someone who can practise medicine. The terms “medical practice” and “medical director” are most commonly associated with physician practice.

Clinic director is therefore the preferred term for an NP in this role, rather than medical director.

In practice settings with multiple providers and staff, a clinic director is responsible for overseeing the non-clinical aspects of the clinic (e.g. staffing, advertising, infection prevention and control requirements, and safe handling of health records) and assisting with establishing policies and procedures for the clinic to guide safe patient care.

What are the roles and responsibilities of a clinic director?

A clinic director is accountable for the overall leadership of the clinic to ensure the safe, competent and ethical delivery of patient care. Clinic director responsibilities may include, but are not limited to:

Overall leadership of the clinic
Ensuring all staff have the appropriate qualifications to perform their roles
Quality assurance and improvement
Ensuring staff within the clinic (including regulated and non-regulated staff) are following clinic policies, processes and procedures
Ensuring the clinic aligns with legislative and regulatory requirements, the CRNA’s Standards of Practice, guidelines, advice to the profession and other regulatory documents, including but not limited to: Advertising Standards, Infection Prevention and Control Standards, Documentation Standards, Privacy and Management of Health Information Standards, Privacy and Security Policies for Custodians, Interprofessional Collaboration Guidelines, Use of Title Standards, and Use of the Title "Doctor" or "Dr."
Ensuring the public is aware of clinic members’ names and specific roles within the clinic.

What does most responsible practitioner/provider (MRP) mean?

MRP refers to a regulated health care professional (usually a medical doctor or NP) who has the overall responsibility for directing and coordinating the care and management of a patient over a specific period of time.

The designated MRP at an institution or health care site is typically identified in the site’s policies and procedures. Adapted from Canadian Medical Protective Association.

Within the NPPCP, NPs are identified as the MRP for the patients on their panel. The NP is accountable to ensure the patients health care needs are met, including completing any required referrals, ordering tests or procedures and ensuring follow-up is completed within an appropriate amount of time as dictated by the urgency of the patient’s care needs.

Is CRNA approval needed for an NP to form a corporation?

In Alberta, nurse practitioners can form corporations to offer professional services without the CRNA’s approval. This is different from the requirements faced by other health care professionals such as physicians, dentists, chiropractors and optometrists, who must obtain approval from their respective regulatory college and a permit for a professional corporation.

NPs can form a corporation by following the Government of Alberta’s guidelines for incorporating a business, which can be found here. It is recommended to consult with the Canadian Nurses Protective Society, an accountant and a lawyer to explore the options available to you.

Practice Changes, Absences and Transitions

What is required of an NP who takes an absence from their clinic?

The CRNA expects NPs to arrange for coverage of their clinical practice when they are away or unavailable (e.g. vacation, after hours coverage, etc.).

For example, a call schedule could be developed for weekend or evening coverage, or longer absence arrangements could be made with a colleague to provide coverage.

What does an NP need to do when closing or leaving a primary care NP clinic?

When closing or leaving a practice, the CRNA expects NPs to consider patients they have been providing care for and endeavour to assist the patients to find another care provider.

NPs must do their best to not abandon patients, in accordance with the Canadian Nurses Association Code of Ethics for Registered Nurses.

All outstanding testing and investigations must be followed up with or arrangements must be made with another provider to do so. The patient must be well informed, preferably in writing, of what to expect and who they should be working with. NPs should also ensure all outstanding referrals have been completed.

Patients, other health professionals and health institutions need to be given adequate notice that the NP is closing or leaving the practice. Notice is required since patients must find another health care provider, so other providers need to know where to send outstanding consultations, etc.

NPs must make arrangement for the disposition of patient records, as outlined in the Privacy and Management of Health Information Standards, and the Privacy and Security Policies for Custodians.

Contact the Office of the Information and Privacy Commissioner (OIPC) of Alberta with privacy and management of patient information legislative requirement questions at generalinfo@oipc.ab.ca.

What must be considered when relocating a primary care NP clinic and expecting to maintain ongoing care?

An NP must notify the CRNA with a change to practice location in accordance with the Health Professions Act (HPA, Part 2, 4.0 (b) iii and 4.1).

The CRNA expects NPs to notify all health providers who they refer to or are referred to them, as well as professional working relations, of the location change.

Patients on an NP's panel must be given adequate notice, preferably in writing, prior to the relocation. Current patients should have the option of receiving care at the new location. If it is an option and a patient prefers to stay at the current clinic, the NP must provide access to the patient's outstanding investigations, consultation reports and any other information regarding the patient's health needs.