HCA News

Alberta Health Care Aides (HCAs) are not currently regulated. HCA regulation comes into force on February 2, 2026. As of that date, HCAs will be regulated by the College of LPNs and HCAs of Alberta (CLHA). They will be accountable for meeting certain requirements and have access to certain resources.

Learn More About the Transition to Regulation

What Isn’t Changing

» HCA Scope and Role

The HCA role is not expected to change with regulation. HCAs will continue to provide essential personal care services to Albertans.

Learn More About HCA Scope Under Regulation

» HCAs Meeting Employer Requirements

HCAs will continue to meet employer requirements (policies, procedures, etc.) when they are regulated.

What Is Changing

» Mandatory Registration

Currently, HCAs who work for publicly funded employers are required to enroll on the HCA Directory. However, enrollment is optional for other HCAs in the province.

Under regulation, anyone who meets the requirements of registration, is using the HCA title, and performs the health services of an HCA must be part of the regulated register with the CLHA. Only HCAs who meet the requirements to be registered with the CLHA will be allowed to use the title of Health Care Aide.

Learn More About the Differences Between the Directory and the Regulatory College

» Common Standards for HCAs

Under regulation, HCAs will be guided by a code of ethics, standards of practice, and other key documents, which set the expectations and requirements of practice for all HCAs in the province.

Learn More About Regulatory Requirements

» Conduct Process

Starting February 2, the regulatory college will receive complaints against HCAs, which may be resolved formally or informally depending on the circumstances.

Learn More About the Conduct Process

» Continuing Competence Requirements

HCAs will be required to demonstrate a commitment to ongoing learning by participating in a continuing competence program.

Learn More About the Continuing Competence Program

» Access to Regulatory Resources

Once regulated, HCAs will have access to many different resources, including professional practice assistance and free education, to support safe practice.

Learn More About Resources

Questions About HCA Regulation?

Visit our FAQ page for more on HCA regulation: HCA Regulation FAQs

If you have a question that is not found on this page, please email us to receive a response to your specific question.