Skip to main content

LPN, RN, RPN Scope of Practice project


​​​On June 2, 2025, the LPN, RN and RPN scope of practice documents were rescinded, and the content transitioned to practice standards and learning resources.

Important information!

We've been getting questions—here are the answers. Submit a request if you can't find the information you're looking for.

How have the standards changed?

  • The standards have not changed. There were no changes and no additions made to the scope of practice requirements, or to the limits & conditions in the transition of the scope documents into practice standards.  

  • Where are the limits and conditions from the previous scope documents?

  • The limits & conditions are at the end of the practice standards: Content relating to the nursing regulations is in the Limits & Conditions sections of the Acting within Autonomous Scope of Practice and Acting with Client-specific Orders practice standards.

  • What about the rest of the content?

  • We've put it into learning modules: We have four amazing new learning modules that include all the information. Remember that as a nurse, you are responsible and accountable know about your regulations and what you are allowed to perform (or not to perform). The modules are interactive and engaging. Check them out below!​

I hear there are new regulations coming. What's that about?

That is correct! Government has announced the Health Professions and Occupations Act will come into effect April 1, 2026. At the same time, the existing nursing regulations will be replaced by a new Nurses and Midwives Regulation and complemented by some new regulations.  We have created dedicated resource pages for this work:

Do I need to start making changes to my practice?

No. In the same way that practice didn't change when we rescinded the scope documents, the new regulations do not set out changes to nursing practice. The changes are to the format and location of regulations. For example, a new Regulated Health Practitioners Regulation lists restricted activities that can be performed by health professionals. This listing is intended to help the public understand the restricted activities health professionals are authorized to perform. Read more»

Practice standards and learning resources

LPN

RN

RPN

Learning modules​​​​

Legislation and nursing regulations

​​

As a nurse, you understand that legislation and nursing regulations are essential for providing safe and competent care. In this module, we will explore health-care legislation and nursing regulations, focusing on how they establish who is authorized to practice and define the scope of nursing practice.

BCCNM explained: Our role and responsibility

 

Are you unsure about BCCNM's role in nursing? Don't worry, you're in the right place! This module will help you understand BCCNM's role in nursing practice and understand this responsibility. ​​

​​Know your scope: Navigating the controls on practice

In this module we explain what scope of practice is and recognize how it fits within a broader regulatory framework known as the controls on practice. ​You’ll learn to identify the four controls on practice you must consider before performing any activity and differentiate between non-restricted and restricted activities.​

Nursing competence​

​​

Understanding your nursing competence is essential for delivering clinically and culturally safe, competent, and ethical care. This module will delve into the key components of competence: knowledge, skills, attitudes, and judgment.

Why did we make this change?

The Health Professions and Occupations Act (HPOA) is new legislation approved in 2022, but not yet in force. It will replace the Health Professions Act (HPA). The HPOA requires all standards to be included in BCCNM bylaws. 

IMPORTANT: The standards, limits, and conditions have not changed, and neither will your day-to-day practic​​​e. Only the format of the standards and where you find the information on the BCCNM website is different.

The following video explains ​why we made ​this change, and includes helpful tips for navigating the website and where to find the standards.​

 ​

​​

Questions? 

​Connect with our Standards support team​. ​​​

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, Inuit​ and Métis 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.​