Being aware of factors that may affect a registered nurse’s ability to practise safely, competently and ethically is a key aspect of the College’s mandate to protect the public interest. In line with that, registered nurses applying for a licence to practise in Nova Scotia have been required to report past criminal offences and/or ongoing disciplinary proceedings on their licence renewal applications. The College has introduced another measure to enhance public protection: the requirement for specific applicants/members seeking nursing licences in Nova Scotia to undergo a criminal record check (CRC). Criminal records are maintained by the Canadian Police Information Centre (CPIC); a centralized facility managed by the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) in Ottawa and shared by local police and RCMP across the country.

International applicants on a permanent work visa have been screened by Citizenship & Immigration Canada (CIC); however, applicants on a temporary work visa will need to complete a consent form to have a criminal record check completed through the College.

What is a criminal offence?
Criminal offences can include impaired driving, assault, robbery, fraud, sexual offences, and most drug-related offences. Minor offences (e.g., speeding tickets, parking tickets, noise infractions) are not usually included in a criminal record check.

Who will have to provide a criminal record check?

Individuals applying for initial licensure in Nova Scotia, including temporary licences, as well as members who did not hold an active-practising licence in Nova Scotia in either of the two licensure years preceding their application will be required to undergo a criminal record check.

CIC will screen individuals immigrating to Canada on a permanent work visa. International applicants on a temporary work visa will be required to obtain a CRC through the College.

From which countries must you provide criminal record checks?
Applicants must submit criminal record checks from Canada and every country where they have resided, worked, or studied after the age of 18.

How can a criminal record check be obtained?

Canadian

CPIC checks can be requested online at http://www.csiscreening.com/. These online results are delivered to the College electronically usually within 24 hours. CPIC checks can also be obtained through local police departments or RCMP detachments for the same fee. The results of these checks usually arrive within two weeks. 
 

The College will only accept the original CPIC check from local police/RCMP detachments. Certificates ordered via CSI Inc. will be emailed direct to the College from CSI.

International

In addition to completing the CPIC check, international applicants on temporary work visas must also obtain an international criminal record check from each country in which the applicant has practised nursing. The timelines for receipt of international criminal record check reports can vary depending on the country where the individual has practised nursing.

What will happen if it is determined that you have a criminal record?

If the College determines that a risk exists or that a nurse’s ability to practise has been compromised, action will be taken in accordance with the Registered Nurses Act and Regulations. For instance, the College’s Professional Conduct Services might be consulted to determine whether a matter should be referred to a Complaints Committee.      

For more information on self-reporting of criminal offences, contact Registration Services. Tel 491.9744 (1.800.565.9744), ext. 239 or registration@crnns.ca.