The BCCNM board on Sept. 26, 2024, rescinded the Standards for Delegating to Registered Nurses and the delegation agreement between BCCNM and the College of Physicians and Surgeons of BC (CPSBC) regarding Activities Approved for Delegation to Registered Nurses. These changes take effect immediately.
Context
On Nov. 24, 2022, the Health Professions and Occupations Act (HPOA) passed Royal Assent in the BC Legislative Assembly. The HPOA sets out specific requirements to be met when regulated health professionals delegate a restricted activity or an aspect of practice including the passage of bylaws by the regulator permitting the delegation. These changes ensure BCCNM will be in alignment when the HPOA comes into force.
The delegation agreement between BCCNM and CPSBC regarding activities approved for delegation to RNs—the diagnosis and treatment of the sexually transmitted infections epididymitis, proctitis, pelvic inflammatory disease, and infectious syphilis—applied only to RNs with certified practice in Reproductive Health who are employed by the BC Centre for Disease Control (BCCDC).
Consultation with BCCDC confirmed its support for rescinding the delegation agreement and suggested to consider expanding the sexually transmitted infections that RNs with certified practice in Reproductive Health are allowed to diagnose and treat.
Consultation with the remaining physician named in the delegation agreement confirmed their support for rescinding this delegation agreement. CPSBC will ask its board to rescind this delegation agreement at its Sept. 27, 2024, meeting.
Questions?
Contact the Standards and Guidance team.