The BCCNM board on Nov. 28, 2024, approved revisions to the Registered Nurse Certified Practice Limits and Conditions to clarify that RNs certified in Contraceptive Management may prescribe, dispense, administer, insert, or remove any type of contraception, not just hormonal contraception. This change takes effect immediately.
This change will allow a decision support tool (DST) and corresponding education to be developed for the insertion and removal of intrauterine contraception. Once a DST is established and nurses have developed the necessary competence through additional education, they may be able to incorporate this activity in their practice.
Background
Historically, intrauterine contraception (IUC) insertion and removal was not considered to be in scope for RNs. However, when the Ministry of Health in 2023 introduced the Free Contraceptive Initiative, there was a corresponding request for RNs certified in Contraceptive Management be able to insert and remove IUCs.
BCCNM policy staff consulted extensively with system partners as well as conducted literature reviews and reviewed best practices. They concluded that RNs certified in Contraceptive Management will be able to develop the necessary competence to safely perform this activity if they complete additional education and are supported by a decision support tool.
Questions?
Contact our team via the standards support form.