Alberta to regulate health care aides
Alberta’s government has announced that, effective February 2, 2026, approximately 40,000 health care aides will become a regulated profession under a newly renamed professional body—the College of Licensed Practical Nurses and Health Care Aides of Alberta, formerly the College of Licensed Practical Nurses of Alberta. The move mandates approved education, adherence to standards of practice, a professional code of ethics, continuing competence requirements, and annual practice permit renewal. Existing aides enrolled in the Alberta Health Care Aide Directory before the regulation’s start date will be transitioned into the new formal register and issued permits automatically. Only registered individuals will be permitted to use the title “health care aide.” These reforms are intended to enhance public safety and confidence by standardizing training, supervision, and accountability for Alberta’s health care aides.