Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I move, seconded by the honourable Member for Nahendeh, that Bill 6, An Act to Amend the Nursing Profession Act, be read for the second time.
Mr. Speaker, this bill amends the Nursing Profession Act to provide for the appointment of a registrar and the establishment and appointment of a registration committee. This bill also sets out the powers and duties of the registrar and the registration committee. The registrar is authorized to issue registration certificates and also, on the direction of the registration committee, to issue temporary certificates of exemption.
In addition, this bill repeals a provision in the Act that permits a person to practice without holding either a certificate of registration or a temporary certificate of exemption. Furthermore, this bill makes a number of minor amendments to the Act, including amendments that clarify the bylaw making powers of the Northwest Territories Registered Nurses Association, the requirements for obtaining a certificate of registration and a temporary certificate of exemption, the membership status and rights of a person who holds a temporary certificate of exemption and the appeal process for applicants who are refused registration.
Finally, this bill sets out certain transitional rules respecting pending applications for certificates, the validity of prior and existing certificates and the continuation in office of the registrar and the registration committee, currently appointed under the bylaws of the association. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.