The BCCNM board on June 4, 2026, approved revisions to the LPN and RPN Acting within Autonomous Scope of Practice standards to remove the limits and conditions on administering naloxone. This change takes effect immediately.

Review the revised standards:

• Licensed Practical Nurses: Acting within Autonomous Scope of Practice
• Registered Psychiatric Nurses: Acting within Autonomous Scope of Practice​

Context​​

In 2017, naloxone became available without prescription in British Columbia to support timely response to opioid overdose. Current limits and conditions related to naloxone for LPNs and RPNs were established by legacy colleges prior to naloxone becoming an “unscheduled" drug.

The practice standards have been updated to reflect current regulatory and practice contexts and eliminate confusion regarding naloxone practice for LPNs and RPNs, who might have viewed naloxone administration as outside their scope of practice in an overdose emergency.

Que​stions

Connect with our Standards Support team.