Atlantic Registry

Effective October 1, 2026

What it is

The Atlantic Registry is a groundbreaking licensing framework that allows physicians in New Brunswick, Newfoundland & Labrador, Nova Scotia, and Prince Edward Island (PEI) to practise medicine across all four provinces — effectively “one licence for the region.” The annual fee for the Registry is $500 and replaces all fees associated with Temporary or Locum licences in each of the Atlantic provinces. 

Eligibility requirements

• Physicians must hold a Full licence in the Atlantic province in which they file or intend to file their income tax, based on residential ties in accordance with the approach of the Canada Revenue Agency.
• Physicians must have a Full licence without conditions, restrictions, undertakings, or supervision requirements.
• Physicians cannot be the subject of an open complaint in any jurisdiction.
• In addition, physicians must be able to provide a clean enhanced Canadian criminal record check at the time of opt-in.

How to opt in to the Atlantic Registry

Opting in to the Atlantic Registry must be done through the Atlantic College in which you hold a Full licence and file, or intend to file, your income tax.

Send your signed and dated consent form by:

• mail: 400 – 175 Western Parkway, Bedford, Nova Scotia, B4B 0V1
• email: registration@cpsns.ns.ca
• fax: 902-422-5035

Once we receive your completed consent form, we will email you the invoice. Upon receipt of an invoice, you can pay online through your Registrant Services portal.

How it works

• Once the College receives your completed consent form and fee payment, there will be an internal review of your file. If approved for the Atlantic Registry, the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Nova Scotia will recommend Full licensure to each of the other Atlantic Colleges. You can expect approval for the Atlantic Registry within five business days.
• Your participation in the Atlantic Registry will automatically renew as part of your annual licensing renewal with your home College, which is where you hold a Full licence and in the province where you physically practise the majority of the time. You will automatically be billed the $500 fee at the time of your annual licensing renewal. This fee is in addition to the annual licensing fee and is non-refundable.
• The outcome of your renewal will be reported to all Atlantic Colleges. As long as you continue to meet the criteria of the Atlantic Registry, your licence in all other Atlantic provinces will automatically renew.
• You are expected to abide by the College policies, standards, by-laws, and/or provincial laws of the province where you are practising. You are responsible for obtaining the appropriate credentialing/privileging in the provinces where you intend to practise. This includes contacting the Canadian Medical Protective Association and adding coverage for other provinces. 
• Any complaint initiated against you will be adjudicated in the province where the patient encounter took place.
• You will remain licensed with all Atlantic Colleges unless:
  • you opt out
  • you no longer file income tax in an Atlantic province in which you also hold a Full licence
  • you fail to meet the requirements for licensure or renewal of licensure
  • you fail to meet the eligibility requirements of the Atlantic Registry
  • an Atlantic College identifies an issue with your conduct, capacity, or competence