Category: RN(AAP)

On December 19, 2025, the Ministry of Health approved changes to CRNS Bylaws that replace the Canadian Nurses Association (CNA) Code of Ethics for Registered Nurses with the CRNS Code of Conduct.

The CRNS Code of Conduct (the Code) is a set of six principles that describes the accountabilities RNs have to clients, employers, colleagues and the public. The Code explains what the public can expect from RNs, and what RNs do to maintain professionalism, competence and ethical behavior to deliver safe client care. 

The Code is effective February 17, 2026. 

Although the words may be different, the practice expectations of RNs and NPs have not changed. Getting to know the Code is a great focus for your 2026 Continuing Competence Program learning plan. A couple of resources to help familiarize yourself with the Code are:

• CRNS Code of Conduct 
• CRNS Code of Conduct FAQ
• Key differences between the Code of Conduct and Code of Ethics

CRNS Practice and Education Nursing Advisors are available to answer your questions by phone at 1.800.667.9945 or 306.359.4227 or by email at practiceadvice@crns.ca.

The second phase of the Saskatchewan Biosimilars Initiative launches on February 1, 2026. Under the Biosimilars Initiative, patients receive Saskatchewan Drug Plan coverage for a biosimilar when one is available and listed on the Saskatchewan Formulary. Biosimilars offer safe, effective treatment options and support significant cost savings and long term health system sustainability. Expanding the initiative helps maintain patient access to publicly funded drug coverage.

The second phase of the Biosimilars Initiative includes four drugs listed on the Saskatchewan Formulary:

• denosumab (Prolia®);
• omalizumab (Xolair®);
• tocilizumab (Actemra®); and,
• ustekinumab (Stelara®).

For more information, visit:

• Nursing Practice Update November 27, 2025
• Formulary Bulletin #261
• Saskatchewan Biosimilars Initiative website
• Letter to Health Care Providers January 26, 2026

Health Canada has contacted the College of Physicians and Surgeons and the CRNS (the “Colleges”) and expressed concern that some Saskatchewan physicians, NPs and RNs are contravening the Food and Drugs Act. It has advised the Colleges that in order to comply with the Food and Drugs Act, a physician or NP must provide a patient specific order (prescription) for each patient to whom an RN will provide an injection of Botox or other bioactive agent.

Click here for the full joint statement.

The CRNS acknowledges this may result in a change in practice. To support RNs and NPs in understanding practice expectations a Q&A session will be held on Wednesday, December 10, 2025 from 7 to 8 pm. The meeting link and password was sent to CRNS registrants by email on December 4, 2025 and can additionally be obtained by emailing info@crns.ca or calling (306) 359-4200.

CRNS Practice and Education Nursing Advisors are available to answer your questions by phone at 1.800.667.9945 or 306.359.4227 or by email at practiceadvice@crns.ca.

The Ministry of Health will be launching the second phase of the Saskatchewan Biosimilars Initiative in February 2026. This phase builds on the progress of the first phase of the Biosimilars Initiative, which was successfully completed in April 2024, and will continue to promote the use of biosimilar medications.

Under the Biosimilars Initiative, patients receive Saskatchewan Drug Plan coverage for a biosimilar version of their biologic medication where one is available and listed on the Saskatchewan Formulary. Biosimilars present a significant opportunity for cost savings and long-term health system sustainability while providing safe and effective medication options. Continued expansion of the Biosimilars Initiative supports patient access to public drug plan coverage.

For more information, visit:

The College of Registered Nurses of Saskatchewan (CRNS) is revising the Prescribing Medication Guideline and the RNs Recommending & Administering Non-prescription Drugs Guideline.

As part of the external consultation process, the CRNS is seeking feedback on both guidelines from registrants and external partners, including the public. Please complete the following surveys by Wednesday, December 4, 2025 at 4 pm.

Prescribing Medication Guideline Survey

RNs Recommending & Administering Non-Prescription Drugs Guideline Survey

Questions or comments are welcome and can be directed to Catharine Wirth at cwirth@crns.ca

The Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) Clinical Decision Tool (CDT) for RNs with Additional Authorized Practice [RN(AAP)s] has been revised to reflect current evidence-informed practice. The previous H. pylori CDT is no longer in effect. All RN(AAP)s are highly encouraged to review the updated CDT.

The CRNS CDTs are specific evidence-informed documents that guide RN(AAP)s in the assessment, diagnosis, and treatment of limited common medical disorders encountered in primary care settings in Saskatchewan. 

CRNS Practice and Education Nursing Advisors are available to answer your questions by phone at 1.800.667.9945 or 306.359.4227 or by email at practiceadvice@crns.ca.

The Graduate Nurse (GN) Practice Guideline has been reviewed on the five year cycle incorporating both internal and external recommendations, to provide updated direction to employers and registrants in the following areas:

• Bylaw references.
• Language referencing professional conduct.
• Clarification on when a complaint regarding GN practice can be made.
• Content focused on supporting GNs to deliver safe care. 

CRNS Practice and Education Nursing Advisors are available to answer your questions by phone at 1.800.667.9945 or 306.359.4227 or by email at practiceadvice@crns.ca.

The Registered Nurse Specialty Practice (RNSP) Guideline has been revised to provide further clarity in the following areas:

• Roles and responsibilities for employer, authorizer and registrants engaged in self-employed practice; 
• Graphic depicting the RNSP model;
• Enhanced description of the four essential components: client at the centre, supporting evidence, authorizing mechanism and RN competency requirements; and,
• An updated RN Clinical Protocol Checklist that can be utilized during the development, implementation and evaluation of the RNSP. 

CRNS Practice and Education Nursing Advisors are available to answer your questions by phone at 1.800.667.9945 or 306.359.4227 or by email at practiceadvice@crns.ca.

This revised process focuses on evolving and innovative RN and NP roles and settings, relying on the nurse as expert, and incorporating principles of right touch regulation.

Confirming Nursing Practice (CNP) is a regulatory process whereby the registrant confirms the activity or service they provide meets all the legislative requirements and definition of RN or NP practice. 

To complete the CNP Process:

• review the CRNS Legislated Scope of Practice Self-Assessment Tool;
• watch the CNP educational video; and,
• log into your Alinity account to submit the CNP form on your dashboard.

CNP is meant for registrants who are or who will be working in non-traditional roles or settings, who are self-employed, engaged in independent practice, or who are in a role that does not specifically require the knowledge and competency of an RN or NP.

Visit the CRNS Confirming Nursing Practice (CNP) webpage for up-to-date information and to access instructions.

Contact a CRNS Practice and Education Nursing Advisor by email at practiceadvice@crns.ca or by phone at 1.800.667.9945.