Practical nursing
Nursing care provided by a licensed or registered practical nurse (LPN/RPN)
Practitioner rules by province
Who can provide this service for it to be eligible
| Province | Practitioner | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Alberta | Licensed or Registered Practical Nurse | |
| British Columbia | Licensed or Registered Practical Nurse | |
| Manitoba | Licensed or Registered Practical Nurse | |
| New Brunswick | Licensed or Registered Practical Nurse | |
| Newfoundland and Labrador | Licensed or Registered Practical Nurse | |
| Nova Scotia | Licensed or Registered Practical Nurse | |
| Northwest Territories | Licensed or Registered Practical Nurse | |
| Nunavut | Licensed or Registered Practical Nurse | |
| Ontario | Licensed or Registered Practical Nurse | |
| Prince Edward Island | Licensed or Registered Practical Nurse | |
| Quebec | Licensed or Registered Practical Nurse | |
| Saskatchewan | Licensed or Registered Practical Nurse | |
| Yukon | Licensed or Registered Practical Nurse |
What's covered
- Wound care and dressing changes by a licensed practical nurse
- Medication administration by a registered practical nurse
- Post-surgical nursing care provided by an LPN
What's not covered
- Personal care services provided by an unlicensed aide
- Housekeeping or meal preparation services
Is practical nursing CRA eligible in Canada?
Yes. Fees paid to a licensed or registered practical nurse (LPN or RPN) for nursing services are eligible medical expenses under the CRA's Medical Expense Tax Credit (METC). Licensed and registered practical nurses are recognized as authorized medical practitioners in all Canadian provinces and territories. Because an HSA reimburses METC-eligible expenses, practical nursing fees are reimbursable through a Health Spending Account.
What Qualifies
- Wound care, dressing changes, and clinical nursing procedures performed by a licensed practical nurse
- Medication administration and monitoring by a registered practical nurse
- Post-surgical or home nursing care provided by an LPN or RPN
- Any nursing service within the authorized scope of practice for a practical nurse in the relevant province
What Does Not Qualify
- Personal support, housekeeping, or companionship services provided by an unlicensed aide
- Meal preparation or errand services, even when provided alongside nursing care
Good to Know
- Practitioner requirement: The nurse must be licensed or registered as a practical nurse under the laws of the province or territory where the service is rendered.
- Documents to keep: Invoice or receipt from the nurse or agency showing the nurse's name and registration number, date of service, and amount paid.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is practical nursing CRA eligible?
Yes. Fees paid to a licensed or registered practical nurse for nursing services qualify under paragraph 118.2(2)(a) of the Income Tax Act.
Can I claim practical nursing through my HSA?
Yes. Practical nursing fees are reimbursable through a Health Spending Account when provided by a licensed or registered practical nurse.
Source
Based on the CRA's official eligible medical expenses list and Income Tax Folio S1-F1-C1, "Fees paid to health professionals".
This information is sourced from the Canada Revenue Agency's official Medical Expense Tax Credit (METC) reference guide (lines 33099 and 33199). This is not tax advice. For the most current rulings, consult the CRA directly or speak with a qualified tax professional.
Based on CRA data last updated 2026-01-20. Page last reviewed 2026-03-20.