Changes in the CNO Registration Regulations

Regulations in Nursing / By

General Recommendations:

  • If possible complete all registration requirements by December 31, 2012.
  • Register as soon as possible for the exam writings in 2013 (registration deadline is October 29, 2012 for RPNs, November 19, 2012 for RNs).
  • Contact your case manager regarding the implications of the regulation changes on your action plan. 
  • Check the CNO website frequently for updated information.
  • Contact the CNO to find out what the changes may mean to you, call the Customer Service Centre at 416 928-0900 (toll-free in Ontario 1 800 387-5526) or you can also submit questions via email.

Frequently Asked Questions

Question 1: I am out of safe practice for longer than 5yrs. I must take all elements. It states that the elements will meet CNO English fluency. Will this still be so if I complete elements late next year?

  • The rules governing the assessment and registration processes for all applicants will stay in effect until December 31, 2012.
  • Proposed changes to the fluency requirement have not yet been implemented. However  the proposed (but not yet implemented) Amendments to the Registration Regulation include:
    “All applicants will be required to demonstrate language proficiency in English or French through the successful completion of a Council approved examination (CELBAN, IELTS) and set score.”

Question 2: If I already have a safe practice date from CNO, will this be affected?

  • The rules governing the assessment and registration processes for all applicants will stay in effect until December 31, 2012. Applicants who are currently in the process of applying will continue to be assessed under the current regulation until that date.
  • Applicants who receive confirmation that they will not be able to complete all registration requirements by January 1, 2013, will be notified of any further steps they may have to take before completing the process.

Question 3: I am a RPN and want to apply for RN eligibility, how will the change affect me with regard to safe practice?

  • New regulations regarding 3 year safe practice  and 2 year application limitation go into effect January 1, 2013
  • If possible submit a completed RN application before December 31, 2012.

Question 4: What is this jurisprudence exam that is mentioned and how does this implicate my application?

  • The jurisprudence examination for RNs and RPNs  assesses  knowledge and understanding of the nursing profession in Ontario in terms of:
    • Nursing regulation
    • Scope of practice
    • Professional responsibility and accountability
    • Ethical practice
    • The nurse-client relationship
  • This examination becomes a registration requirement on January 1, 2013.
  • See CNO website for further exam details and information regarding cost.

Question 5: How will the CNO changes affect my current application and do I need to complete the registration process by December 31. 2012?

  • Complete registration before the end of 2012 if possible.
  • Applicants who are currently in the process of applying to join the College will continue to be assessed under the current regulation until December 31, 2012. Applicants who receive confirmation that they will not be able to complete all registration requirements by January 1, 2013, will be notified of any further steps they may have to take before completing the process.

Question 6: I have received the regulatory alert sent by CARE Centre; do I need to respond to CARE Centre or contact CNO to find out about what CNO is requesting of me for my current application?

  • General questions regarding the changes should be directed to the member’s CARE Centre case manager.
  • For more information on the regulatory changes and what they may mean to individuals, call the CNO Customer Service Centre at 416 928-0900 (toll-free in Ontario 1 800 387-5526). They can also submit questions via email.

Question 7: My application was received by CNO in 2010 and I received my letter of direction (LOD) in 2011. I am planning to sit the Exam (RN) in February, 2013. Will the application limitation period of 2 years affect me? If yes, does it mean come January, 2013 I will need to reapply?

  • Apply to write the February, 2013 RN exam on November 19, 2012.
  • Applicants who receive confirmation that they will not be able to complete all registration requirements by January 1, 2013, will be notified of any further steps they may have to take before completing the process.

Question 8:  I have a Competency Assessment Supplement (CAS) that I have not yet completed. Will the CNO accept it after the December 31, 2012 deadline?

  • Enroll in CARE Centre’s September Baccalaureate Equivalency Table/Competency Assessment Supplement workshop.
  • Submit the completed BET/CAS by December 31, 2012
  •  Applicants who receive confirmation that they will not be able to complete all registration requirements by January 1, 2013, will be notified of any further steps they may have to take before completing the process.