Bill 13, the Regulated Professions Neutrality Act (RPNA) was introduced by the government on November 20, 2025 and received royal assent on December 11, 2025. The RPNA will come into force on August 10, 2027. It will apply to all regulated professions in Alberta under the Health Professions Act, and include other occupations and skilled trades.
The legislation will require Alberta’s regulatory colleges, including the Alberta College of Social Workers (ACSW), to review and update any necessary mandatory training requirements, policies, bylaws, guidelines, standards of practice and code of ethics to ensure compliance with the Act. This work must be completed by February 2027 in advance of the proclamation in August.
The ACSW recognizes that the implementation of the Regulated Professions Neutrality Act may raise important questions for social workers about professional identity, ethical practice, and the values reflected within professional regulation. The College is committed to engaging registrants throughout the review process and to ensuring that any required revisions are developed transparently, thoughtfully, and in accordance with its public protection mandate while upholding professional social work values.
Opportunities for Feedback
- Registrants will have opportunities to review proposed revisions to the Code of Ethics and Standards of Practice and provide feedback through surveys and virtual focus groups. These consultation opportunities are planned for September.
- A survey link will be made available: September 4 – October 2, 2026
- Virtual focus groups – save the date: September 10, 14, 15, and 17 | 11:30 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. and 6:00 – 7:30 p.m.
Registration details will be provided in advance.
- The review is focused solely on identifying and addressing areas that may require amendment to comply with the RPNA. This is not a comprehensive review of the Code of Ethics or Standards of Practice.
- The current Code of Ethics and Standards of Practice remain in effect unless and until revisions are approved by Council and the Minister of Primary and Preventative Health Services. ACSW is committed to keeping registrants informed on revisions to the Code of Ethics and Standards of Practice.
Registrants may have questions about how the RPNA will influence professional standards, ethical guidance, continuing competence requirements, and other aspects of regulation. Please email practice.consultation@acsw.ab.ca with questions related to the implementation of the Regulated Professions Neutrality Act.
For more information about the RPNA, please refer to:
Government of Alberta – Regulated Professions Neutrality Act
Government of Alberta – Regulated Professions Neutrality Act Information and Resources;
Government of Alberta – Regulated Professions Neutrality Act Fall 2025 Overview