Overview
Health and social services professions in the Northwest Territories may be regulated under the Health and Social Services Professions Act (HSSPA). This page explains how to apply for designation, who can apply, and which professions are currently regulated or being considered.
How to apply
To apply for regulation under the HSSPA:
- Download and complete the Application for Designation of a Health and Social Services Profession.
- Submit the completed form to:
Minister of Health and Social Services
c/o Deputy Minister, Department of Health and Social Services
Government of the Northwest Territories
Box 1320
Tatsaotı̨̀ne Building – 7th floor
Yellowknife, NT X1A 2L9
Fax: 867-873-0266
Email: hsspa@gov.nt.ca
Fees: There is no fee to apply.
Who can apply
You can apply for regulation under the HSSPA if you are:
- A group of individuals practicing a health or social services profession
- An organization or association representing a health or social services profession
For more information on the application process, please see:
Designation criteria
The Executive Council decides which professions are designated under the HSSPA. The following are some of the criteria considered:
- Whether the profession is regulated in other jurisdictions
- Whether other regulatory options exist outside the HSSPA
- The nature and degree of risk to public health and safety if the profession is unregulated
- The potential economic impacts of regulation
Professions that are already regulated in the Northwest Territories are being prioritized for inclusion under the HSSPA.
Professions currently regulated under the HSSPA
The following professions are already regulated under the HSSPA:
- Naturopathic practitioners
- Psychologists
Professions in progress
The following professions are currently being advanced for regulation under the HSSPA:
- Dental hygienists
- Pharmacists
- Registered midwives
- Medical practitioners
Other regulated professions
These professions are regulated in the Northwest Territories but have not yet been considered for inclusion under the HSSPA:
- Social workers
- Dentists
- Denturists
- Dental therapists
- Ophthalmic medical professionals
- Optometrists
- Veterinarians
Contact
Health and Social Services Professions Act
Phone: 867-767-9052
Email: hsspa@gov.nt.ca
Office hours: Monday to Friday, 8:30 AM – 5:00 PM (closed statutory holidays)

