- What's changing
To ensure compliance with section 74 of the HPOA and to strengthen safeguards related to delegation, BCCNM has
rescinded two existing practice standards and approved a single, consolidated standard that applies to all nurses:
Rescinded practice standards
-
Delegation to Unregulated Care Providers (for RNs, RPNs, and NPs)
-
Working with Health Care Assistants (for LPNs)
New practice standard
This new practice standard replaces the previous framework and establishes consistent expectations for delegation across all nursing designations.
- Why this change was made
Delegation allows nurses to permit unregulated care providers (UCPs) to perform restricted activities within a nurse's scope of practice when appropriate. While delegation is an important tool for meeting client care needs across community, acute, and long‑term care settings, it also carries risks that require clear accountability and safeguards.
Section 74 of the HPOA introduces specific legislative requirements for delegation, including that colleges authorize delegation through bylaws and ensure delegation occurs safely, deliberately, and with clear accountability. The updated practice standard was developed to:
align with section 74 of the HPOA;
address known and emerging risks related to delegation;
reduce confusion between delegation and assignment;
improve clarity and consistency across practice settings; and
reflect current evidence, consultation feedback, and health system realities.
- Key features of the new practice standard
The
Nurses: Delegation to Unregulated Care Providers practice standard:
applies to all nurses, including LPNs;
reinforces that nurses remain accountable for delegation decisions;
clarifies that nurses may only delegate restricted activities within their own scope of practice and individual competence;
limits delegation to clients with a stable and predictable health status;
prohibits delegation of certain high‑risk activities that require professional nursing judgment (such as diagnosing or prescribing);
emphasizes clear communication, documentation, monitoring, and re‑evaluation; and
affirms nurses' authority to decline or rescind delegation when client safety is at risk.
The standard is principle‑based to support safe delegation while allowing flexibility across diverse care settings, including rural and remote environments.
- Cultural safety and respectful care
The new practice standard is intended to be applied alongside BCCNM's
Indigenous Cultural Safety, Cultural Humility and Anti‑Racism practice standard. Cultural safety, cultural humility, and anti‑racism principles inform delegation decisions, particularly when nurses are caring for Indigenous clients or working within Indigenous‑led or community‑based programs.