Additional education approved for four LPN activities

On Nov. 27, 2025, the BCCNM board approved updated additional education requirements for LPNs performing oxygen administration, digital stimulation/rectal disimpaction, IV access, and IV medication administration. They also approved a minor edit relating to wound care.

These changes, which better align expectations with education and enhance LPN practice, take effect Dec. 29, 2025.

Review the changes

• F​or the activities of oxygen administration and digital stimulation/rectal disimpaction: Licensed Practical Nurse: Acting Within Autonomous Scope of Practice practice standard
• For the activities of establishing IV access and IV medication administration: Licensed Practical Nurse: Acting with Client-specific Orders practice standard
• Limit & Condition #5, changing compression therapy to compression dressings: Licensed Practical Nurse: Acting with Client-specific Orders practice standard

​​What's changing?

• The additional education requirement for when LPNs administer oxygen is being removed. The requirement to follow a DST is retained. 
• When LPNs perform the activities of digital stimulation/rectal disimpaction, establishing IV access, and administering IV medications, they can now either attain competence through successfully completing additional education or by successfully attaining competence as part of an entry-level practical nursing program.

Why ​these changes?

The additional education requirements for these four activities were specifically identified for review as part of the ongoing revision of the provincial practical nursing curriculum.

Res​ources

BCCNM will continue to provide learning resources to support LPNs in understanding and applying these standards. You can review:

• Case study: hypoxia
• IV initiation
• Intravenous therapy

As well as other LPN learning resources, learning modules, practice standards, and professional standards.

For further guidance on understanding and applying the standards of practice, contact our team by completing the Standards Support intake form.