Operating an Independent Practice? Make Sure It's Registered

Registered Nurses (RNs) and Nurse Practitioners (NPs) who operate an independent practice must register the practice with the CRNS and renew the registration annually.

Independent practice registration is separate from Registrant Confirmation of Nursing Practice and must be renewed annually as part of the licensure year (December 1 to November 30).

Independent practice refers to providing nursing services as a self-employed practitioner rather than through an employer or health care organization. Because independent practices operate without the oversight of an employer or health care institution, RNs and NPs are accountable for both the services they provide, and the business responsibilities associated with their practice. As a result, an independent practice has the potential for increased risks to the public.

RNs and NPs opening or operating an independent practice are required to:

• Be in good standing with the CRNS.
• Review and understand the CRNS Self-Employed Practice Guidelines.
• Complete the confirming nursing practice process if offering new or evolving treatments, procedures or services, or if there is uncertainty about whether it falls within your scope of practice.
• Meet the legal, legislative and business requirements, including but not limited to business license(s), business insurance, personal liability protection, privacy obligations and records retention requirements.
• Maintain annual registration of the independent practice.
• Keep independent practice information current in their CRNS registrant profile.

To complete the Independent Practice Register, sign in to your CRNS profile and select "Add independ.practice" from the menu on the left-hand side.

For more information, review the Self-Employed Practice Guideline or contact a CRNS Registration Nursing Advisor by email at regulation@crns.ca.