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Preamble

Important information about the RN Scope of Practice: Standards, Limits, Conditions

Scope of Practice for Registered Nurses

This publication contains information for registered nurses (includes licensed graduate nurses) and nurse practitioners in British Columbia about scope of practice that is established by the BC College of Nurses and Midwives (BCCNM).

The scope of practice for registered nurses and nurse practitioners in British Columbia is set out in the Nurses (Registered) and Nurse Practitioners Regulation under the Health Professions Act. Additional scope of practice information is included in BCCNM's Bylaws and Standards of Practice.

The purpose of this document is to:

  • Explain the Regulation and those parts of the Health Professions Act that have an impact on scope of practice for registered nurses
  • Set out BCCNM standards, limits and conditions related to scope of practice
  • Explain the restricted activities for registered nurses that are outlined in the Regulation
  • Explain delegation as it applies under the Health Professions Act and BCCNM Standards of Practice.
  • Information in this document is subject to change as BCCNM policy is revised or legislation is amended. BCCNM registrants will be notified of changes.

    BCCNM Standards of Practice

    BCCNM is responsible under the Health Professions Act for setting standards of practice for its registrants. BCCNM Standards include:

    • Professional Standards
    • Practice Standards
    • Scope of Practice Standards, Limits and Conditions

    These can be found on the BCCNM website www.bccnm.ca

900 – 200 Granville St
Vancouver, BC  V6C 1S4
Canada

info@bccnm​.ca
604.742.6200​
​Toll-free 1.866.880.7101 (within Canada only) ​


We acknowledge the rights and title of the First Nations on whose collective unceded territories encompass the land base colonially known as British Columbia. We give specific thanks to the hən̓q̓əmin̓əm̓ speaking peoples the xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam) and sel̓íl̓witulh (Tsleil-Waututh) Nations and the Sḵwx̱wú7mesh-ulh Sníchim speaking Peoples the Sḵwx̱wú7mesh Úxwumixw (Squamish Nation), on whose unceded territories BCCNM’s office is located. We also give thanks for the medicines of these territories and recognize that laws, governance, and health systems tied to these lands and waters have existed here for over 9000 years.

We also acknowledge the unique and distinct rights, including rights to health and wellness, of First Nations, Métis, and Inuit peoples from elsewhere in Canada who now live in British Columbia. As leaders in the settler health system, we acknowledge our responsibilities to these rights under international, national, and provincial law.​