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Eligibility for Licensure

Academic Licensure

Preamble Section 39 of the Medical Act Regulations (the Regulations)1 describes the criteria for registration on the Conditional Register. Additionally, sections 55-58 of the Regulations set out the application, criteria, and permitted activities for Academic licensure. Purpose This policy defines the provisions for an Academic licence.

Full Licensure: Requirements and Criteria for Physicians

Preamble A Full licence in Nova Scotia is an annually renewable licence for independent practice without terms, conditions or restrictions. Historically, a Full licence in Canada had strict, rigid prerequisites. In addition to requirements of good capacity, competence, and character, to be granted a Full Licence, the physician was required to hold a recognized medical degree, be a Licentiate of the Medical Council of Canada and hold certification with either the College of Family Physicians of [...]

University or School Approved by Council

Preamble In accordance with the Medical Act Regulations1, all applicants for registration with the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Nova Scotia (the College) are required to be a graduate from a university or school that meets the criteria approved by Council. Purpose This policy describes the universities, schools, and programs accepted for all licence types. Scope

Currency of Practice Experience

Preamble Registrants must remain qualified, competent and fit to always practise within their scope of practice. There are several ways a registrant can maintain the necessary knowledge, skills, and experience to practise safely and ethically. This policy addresses one of those ways: the currency of a registrant’s practice experience related to a defined scope of practice.

Restoration or Reactivation of Licensure

PREAMBLE All registrants must hold a licence to practise in Nova Scotia. The College of Physicians and Surgeons of Nova Scotia (the College) recognizes there are varying circumstances that may cause a registrant’s licence to become inactive such as voluntary relinquishment or revocation. PURPOSE This policy describes the various circumstances and due processes a registrant must undertake when applying to the College to restore or reactivate a licence.

Subspecialist Examination Affiliate Program (SEAP) Designates: Requirements for Full Licensure

Preamble The Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada (the Royal College)1 offers a Subspecialist Examination Affiliate Program (SEAP)2 for subspecialists who have not successfully completed the certification examination in their primary specialty. Upon successful completion of the Royal College subspecialty examination through this program, the physician can become a Subspecialist Affiliate with the Royal College. Physicians with Royal College Subspecialist [...]

Pathway to Licensure for International Medical Graduates via a Practice Ready Assessment – Family Medicine

Preamble A Defined licence is a time-limited licence to practise medicine while supervised as the most responsible physician while working toward a Full or Restricted licence. To qualify for a Defined licence in Family Medicine, a physician must successfully challenge the Practice Ready Assessment in Family Medicine or otherwise be eligible to challenge the certification examination with the College of Family Physicians of Canada1. Purpose 

English Language Proficiency

Preamble Proficiency in English is a requirement for registration.  All registrants must have the ability to effectively communicate with patients, other professionals and the College. The Medical Practitioners Regulations require an applicant to have demonstrated proficiency in the English language as required by the Registrar.

Capacity, Competence and Character for Safe and Ethical Practice

Preamble The Medical Practitioners Regulations1 require all registrants have the current capacity, competence and character to safely and ethically practise. This is relevant at the time of initial registration or licensing, while licensed and at the time of annual licensing renewal. 

American Board-Certified Physicians: Requirements for Full Licensure

Preamble The American Board of Medical Specialties (ABMS)1 was established in 1933 and its board certification process requires an ongoing independent evaluation to ensure clinical competence and continuing professional development. Additionally, its process ensures the board-certified physician meets the standard of practice established by their peers. Physicians holding certification with one of the Member Boards of the American Board of Medical Specialties may qualify for a Full licence.