Introduction
This practice standard outlines the expectations for nurse practitioners when consulting with or making referrals to other health care professionals to support
client care.
Standards
1.
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Nurse practitioners are accountable for the care they provide and the decisions that they make when sharing client care with other health care professionals.
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2.
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Nurse practitioners consult with or make a referral to other health care professionals when:
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a.
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They encounter client care needs beyond the scope of practice for nurse practitioners or their individual competence, and/or
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b.
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Client care would benefit from the expertise of other health care professionals.
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3.
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Nurse practitioners make referral decisions in collaboration with the client. |
4.
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When consulting with or making a referral to another health care professional, nurse practitioners:
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a.
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Present the reason for and the level of urgency of the consultation or referral,
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b.
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Describe the level of involvement requested,
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c.
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Provide relevant client health information, |
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d.
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Confirm the health care professional's ongoing level of involvement with the client, and
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e.
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Document the request for and outcome of the consultation or referral in the client's health record.
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5.
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When providing consultations to or receiving referrals from other health care professionals, nurse practitioners:
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a. |
Confirm the reason for and level of urgency of the request,
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b.
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Confirm the level of involvement requested,
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c.
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Ensure that they have access to relevant client health information,
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d.
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Notify the health care professional if they are unable to provide a consultation or receive a referral,
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e.
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Confirm their ongoing level of involvement with the client, and
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f.
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Document the request for and outcome of the consultation or referral.
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Glossary
Client: individual receiving nursing care or services from a nurse.
Competence: integration and application of knowledge, skills and judgment required for safe and appropriate performance in an individual's practice.
Revision history
Approved by board: March 1, 2026 | Bylaw in-force: April 1, 2026
Effective April 1, 2026, this ethics standard, and any amendments to it, is made a bylaw under the authority of the Health Professions and Occupations Act, B.C.