HCA News

We receive a lot of questions about our fees. In this article, we’re going to provide more information about how the fees that Health Care Aides (HCAs) pay support the provision of safe, competent care.

The College of LPNs and HCAs of Alberta (CLHA) operates as a non-profit. The fees that we collect go towards the regulatory oversight of Alberta’s LPNs and HCAs. This includes providing knowledge about two distinct professions, supporting HCAs in providing safe care, and performing core regulatory functions.

Registration Renewal Fees

HCAs paid for their first permit during February-April 2026. Now HCAs will need to complete a renewal. Renewals allow the CLHA to continue monitoring the profession.

HCAs will pay $250 for their registration renewal between September 8 and November 30. From now on, HCA renewal will take place every year from September to November.

All regulated healthcare professionals in Alberta pay for yearly practice permits to cover costs related to regulation. Permit fees are set based on the cost of regulating a profession, with consideration given to the level of responsibility that professionals have within the healthcare team.

HCA Fees Provide for Regulatory Oversight and Practice Support

In its Annual Report, the CLHA provides statements on our financials. This includes an overview of our revenues and expenditures.

Revenues

The largest source of revenue for the CLHA is fees from registration renewal for both professions. We also have revenue from other fees related to registration applications, assessments, and examinations; consultations; investments; and other fines and fees.

Expenditures

Having appropriate resources is essential for regulating in a manner that is fair and protects and serves the public. This ensures that we can:

• Communicate in a timely manner with registrants,
• Provide the required expertise and knowledge about the HCA profession, and
• Support safe care through professional development resources and other means.

Most of the CLHA’s expenditures represent the people, technologies, and facilities that administer services including registration, education, conduct, practice supports, and the Continuing Competence Program. Some examples of major expenses are below.

• Investigations and hearings into unprofessional conduct, when necessary, to support a fair, complete, and impartial process;
• A database to securely store information about registrants;
• Staff who can address inquiries from HCAs, LPNs, and other interested parties;
• Evaluation of applications for registration, to make sure that applicants meet the qualifications to be registered;
• Practice support for registrants, employers, and other interested parties, supporting better understanding of regulation and the HCA role; and
• Resources such as webinars, modules, policy documents, and newsletters to support the provision of safe, competent, and ethical care.