In this episode of Ascend Radio, host Harry Cayton interviews Sue Smith, who shares insights about the Regulated Health Professions Act in Nova Scotia and the movement towards multi-occupation regulators. The discussion centers on how this legislation has empowered regulators to act more effectively and flexibly, and the potential mergers among different health profession colleges as a reflection of the increasing emphasis on teamwork in the health system. They explore the concept of “right touch” regulation and modernization of conduct standards, with positive feedback from stakeholders.
The regulation of health professions is witnessing a paradigm shift, particularly in Nova Scotia, where recent legislative changes have paved the way for a more cohesive and efficient regulatory framework. In the latest episode of the Thentia podcast, Sue Smith, an experienced healthcare leader and current CEO and Registrar of the Nova Scotia College of Nursing, discusses the transformative impact of the Regulated Health Professions Act. Joined by host Harry Cayton, the conversation delves into the implications of this legislation, the benefits of multi-occupation regulators, and the unyielding spirit of collaboration in the nursing community.
Strengthening Health Professional Regulation in Nova Scotia
The newly enacted Regulated Health Professions Act in Nova Scotia is a significant leap toward a more integrated and flexible regulatory environment. Sue Smith elucidates how this legislation empowers regulators to be more effective and adaptable, addressing the complexities of modern healthcare. By allowing different health profession colleges to merge, it encourages a cooperative approach that transcends individual professional boundaries. According to Smith, this trend parallels the broader shift towards teamwork within the healthcare system, where the collective expertise of all health professions is recognized and valued.
Vision for Multi-Occupation Regulators
One of the key topics Smith and Cayton explore is the potential for multi-occupation regulators. This model reflects a forward-thinking approach to healthcare, emphasizing the intrinsic value every health profession brings to the table. Combining regulatory bodies not only fosters a spirit of collaboration but also enhances the efficiency and effectiveness of healthcare delivery. Smith envisions a future where these multi-occupation regulators build on the positive momentum of recent changes, particularly in areas like conduct modernization and right-touch regulation. This forward-thinking approach is met with overwhelmingly positive feedback from stakeholders, reinforcing the importance of continuous improvement in professional regulation.
Learning from British Columbia’s Experience
Drawing parallels between Nova Scotia and British Columbia, Smith highlights the latter’s successful merger of separate nursing colleges. In BC, the consolidation was driven by the desire for a more robust nursing voice, streamlined processes, and improved efficiency—all for the betterment of public health. This extensive process involved nearly four years of consultations with various stakeholders, including the public, government, unions, and other regulators. One of the critical lessons from this experience is the necessity of overcoming professional egos and hierarchies to ensure equal partnership and buy-in from all parties involved.
The Power of Communication and Collaboration
Smith emphasizes the importance of communication, transparency, and a shared objective in overcoming resistance to change. Regular check-ins and meetings with counterparts, were crucial in navigating new ground and sharing lessons learned. Their collaboration extended to national organizations like the Canadian Nurse Regulator Collaborative (CNRC) and included workshops in Atlantic Canada to disseminate their insights.
Adapting to Challenges During COVID-19
The global pandemic has underscored the need for flexible and agile regulatory frameworks. Smith discusses how the new legislative environment in Nova Scotia allowed for rapid responses during COVID-19, including bringing retired nurses back into the workforce to assist with vaccine distribution. This flexibility played a significant role in increasing the number of registrants and highlighted the importance of reevaluating regulatory processes to balance public safety with practical adaptability.
Future Directions and Continuous Improvement
Looking ahead, Smith expresses her optimism about building upon the successes achieved under the new regulatory framework. She remains committed to serving on various boards and continues to advocate for the importance of regulation in healthcare, particularly in response to crises. Harry Cayton thanks Sue Smith for her leadership and insights into the evolving landscape of health profession regulation. Their mutual respect is evident as they plan future meetings, underscoring the collaborative spirit that drives continuous improvement in the field.
Key topics with timestamps:
- 00:00 – Transformative Leadership in Healthcare Regulation: A Journey from Nursing to National Roles
- 05:27 – Embracing Innovation in Nursing Regulation
- 09:35 – Collaborative Nursing Reform and Legislative Innovation in British Columbia
- 11:09 – Advancing Nursing Regulation: Merging for a Unified, Agile, and Effective Voice
- 15:25 – Unified Nursing Regulation: Overcoming Challenges and Embracing Change Together
- 20:20 – CNRC: Benefits and Innovations from Merging Nursing Regulators
- 24:05 – Flexible and Agile Regulation: Lessons from Nursing during COVID-19
- 28:05 – Legislation Driving Regulatory Evolution in Healthcare
- 32:42 – Vision for the Future of Professional Regulation
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