March 31, 2026: Charlottetown, PEI – The Prince Edward Island College of Nursing and Midwifery (PEICNM) officially launches on April 1, 2026 as the new body responsible for the regulation of licensed practical nurses, midwives, nurse practitioners, registered nurses, and registered psychiatric nurses.
“As a small jurisdiction, we need to look for innovative and effective ways to support quality of patient care and public protection through the regulation of nursing and midwifery in PEI. By joining together under the PEICNM, we can leverage our combined expertise across a broader base of health professionals,” says inaugural Council Chair, Chelsea Chessman.
Ms. Chessman is an RN who previously served as the Council Chair of the College of Registered Nurses and Midwives of PEI. The Chair-Elect of the new Council is Nicole Blanchard, an LPN who previously served as the Council Chair for the College of Licensed Practical Nurses of PEI.
The move to establish a single College took just under two years to complete. The two Colleges worked closely with the Province in establishing the new single entity under the Regulated Health Professions Act (RHPA).
“The Government of Prince Edward Island was pleased to work with the two Colleges as they came together to form the PEI College of Nursing and Midwifery. This collaboration reflects the important work both organizations have done over the last two years and a shared commitment to serving Islanders. I also want to recognize and thank the many nurses and midwives across our province for the outstanding care they provide to our communities every day,” said Minister of Health and Wellness Cory Deagle.
Melissa Panton is the first CEO & Registrar of the PEI College of Nursing and Midwifery and was appointed in February of 2026. She previously served at CEO and Registrar of the College of Registered Nurses and Midwives of PEI.
“We are excited and ready to go for April 1 with our combined team and a new, expanded mandate. We are confident that our nurses, midwives, and the public will experience a smooth transition as we go from two Colleges to one,” said Panton.
For more information:
Melissa Panton
T: 902 330-8435
E: mpanton@peicnm.ca
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