New Single Classification for Nurse Practitioners in Ontario
As of July 1, 2026, Nurse Practitioners (NPs) in Ontario are being registered under a single classification, replacing the previous system of population-specific certificates. This change is part of a national collaborative effort, with all provinces and territories except Quebec adopting the new model, aimed at improving patient access to care by enabling NPs to work more easily across Canada and across patient populations.
Background and Rationale
Previously, NPs were required to register with specific certificates for Primary Health Care, Adult, or Pediatric populations. The new framework removes this requirement, allowing NPs to practice more flexibly. According to the College of Nurses of Ontario (CNO), the change is evidence-informed, as studies show that NPs entering practice in Canada use similar competencies regardless of their population-specific certificates.
“Nursing regulators really came together to make this happen,” said Silvie Crawford, Registrar & CEO of CNO. “It’s a great example of collaboration with our partners at a national level.”
Impact on Patient Access and NP Mobility
The new framework is designed to improve patient access to qualified healthcare providers by enabling NPs to work across different settings and patient groups without needing additional certifications. While the calibre of care remains unchanged, NPs can now seek additional education, training, or experience to work in new settings or treat diverse patient groups.
“NPs play such a crucial role in the health care system,” said Crawford. “They already provide a high level of care to patients, and with the new framework, they’re even better positioned to support care as needed across the entire health system, making NPs even more accessible.”
Details of the Change
The CNO has added entry-level NP education information to its public register, Find a Nurse, to provide clarity for employers and the public about an NP’s foundational knowledge. For many NPs, the move to a single classification may not result in immediate changes to their current practice, but it opens pathways for future career development.
“While all NPs will continue to practice within their individual knowledge, skill and judgment and ensure they have the competence required to provide safe care, these regulatory changes mean that if they decide to seek additional education, training or experience to work in a new setting or treat diverse patient groups, that pathway is open to them,” said Maya Nikoloski, Director of Professional Practice at CNO.
National Context
All provinces and territories except Quebec are adopting the new model, reflecting a national effort to streamline NP regulation and improve healthcare workforce mobility. The CNO emphasizes that the new framework is one of several initiatives to support nurse mobility and strengthen Ontario’s healthcare workforce through evidence-informed, fair, inclusive, and effective registration processes.
