The College of Registered Psychiatric Nurses of Alberta (CRPNA) regulates psychiatric nursing as a distinct profession in Alberta under the Health Professions Act.

As a College, CRPNA provides direction to and regulates the practice of psychiatric nurses. The College is responsible for establishing, maintaining, and enforcing licensure and registration requirements. It also develops the standards for psychiatric nursing practice, a code of ethics, standards for the continuing competence of the profession, and approves programs of study, all designed to protect and serve the public interest.