November 13, 2025 — The Canadian Institute for Health Information (CIHI) and the Institute for Safe Medication Practices Canada (ISMP Canada) are working together to transition the management and operations of the National System for Incident Reporting (NSIR) to ISMP Canada by March 2026. The transition will include both the medication and radiation treatment (NSIR-RT) reporting programs.
This strategic partnership marks an important milestone for patient safety in Canada. The transition to ISMP Canada will position NSIR within an organization that is dedicated to advancing medication safety in all health care settings and ensure that NSIR will continue to play a critical role in supporting safer care for patients across the country.
Building on strength and innovation
“It is well known that medication errors are a significant problem in health care settings. When a medication or radiation treatment incident occurs, learning from it can save lives,” said Carolyn Hoffman of ISMP Canada. “We are grateful for the leadership of CIHI and recognize the importance of the NSIR and NSIR-RT programs. They are instrumental in helping health care organizations to report, analyze and share learnings from incidents to improve patient safety across the country. We are committed to building on NSIR’s strong foundation and will introduce new innovations and partnerships.”
“This collaboration ensures that NSIR remains a vital, living resource for learning,” continued Dr. Anderson Chuck of CIHI. “ISMP Canada is well-positioned to build on what we’ve created — bringing fresh innovation and focus to help health care teams prevent harm and improve care.”
A shared commitment to patient safety
While ISMP Canada will take on the day-to-day management of NSIR, CIHI will remain a dedicated partner in the Canadian Medication Incident Reporting and Prevention System (CMIRPS). CIHI will continue to actively contribute throughout the transition period and beyond, reinforcing its long-standing commitment to patient safety and data-driven improvement.
CIHI and ISMP Canada are committed to ensuring a smooth and transparent transition with minimal impact on participating organizations. Health care facilities will continue to use the system as usual while both organizations collaborate to transfer management and governance.
Together, both organizations remain focused on the same goal: ensuring that data, learning and collaboration continue to drive safer care for all Canadians.
Over the coming months, CIHI and ISMP Canada will work closely with stakeholders and users to provide updates and guidance as the transition progresses.
About CIHI
The Canadian Institute for Health Information (CIHI) is an independent, not-for-profit organization dedicated to providing essential health information to all Canadians.
CIHI works closely with federal, provincial and territorial partners and stakeholders throughout Canada to gather, package and disseminate information to inform policy, management, care and research, leading to better and more equitable health outcomes for all Canadians.
Health information has become one of society’s most valuable public goods. For more than 30 years, CIHI has set the pace on data privacy, security, accessibility and innovation to improve Canada’s health systems.
CIHI: Better data. Better decisions. Healthier Canadians.
About ISMP Canada
The Institute for Safe Medication Practices Canada (ISMP Canada) is an independent, pan-Canadian, non-profit organization committed to the advancement of medication safety in all healthcare settings.
ISMP Canada works with consumers, caregivers, organizations and practitioners to analyze medication errors, share lessons learned, and promote safe medication practices.
ISMP Canada: Learn. Share. Act.
