What is BCCNM-Certified Practice?
Registered nurses who are certified by BCCNM are authorized to perform certain restricted activities within their autonomous scope of practice. Specific Certified Practice decision support tools (DSTs) set out the activities that are included in the certified practice.
Certified practices are outlined in Section 8 of the
Nurses (Registered) and Nurse Practitioners Regulation and set out within the Certified Practice DSTs. Certified practices are carried out autonomously and the registered nurse is solely accountable for the diagnosis and treatment of the client. Certification allows registered nurses to:
- Diagnose some diseases and disorders (as set out in decision support tools)
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Carry out some restricted activities autonomously (as set out in decision support tools) that would otherwise require an order, e.g., diagnosing diseases/disorders, administering, compounding or dispensing Schedule I medications
The Certified Practice DSTs and the competencies for each area are maintained by the
Nurses and Nurse Practitioners of BC (NNPBC).
NEW: DST change request form
NNPBC on Nov. 15, 2021 introduced a form to process requests for changes or updates to the Certified Practice DSTs. Read more >>
Certified Practice areas
- Reproductive Health (Contraceptive Management and Sexually Transmitted Infections)
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Contraceptive Management
Registered nurses who complete BCCNM certification in Contraceptive Management (CM) are permitted within their autonomous scope of practice to dispense and/or administer hormonal contraception to eligible clients as set out in CM decision support tools (DSTs).
Sexually Transmitted Infections
Registered Nurses who complete BCCNM certification in Reproductive Health: Sexually Transmitted Infections may diagnose and treat some sexually transmitted syndromes and infections in clients 14 years of age and older as set out within the STI decision support tools (DST).
Consultation or referral to a physician or nurse practitioner is required for all pregnant or breastfeeding clients.
- Remote Nursing
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Remote Nursing Certified Practice frequently (but not necessarily) occurs in communities where there is no physician or nurse practitioner located in the community, but where physicians or nurse practitioners visit the community periodically and are available to provide consultation to the registered nurse.
Remote Nursing Practice includes Sexually Transmitted Infections and Contraceptive Management.
- RN First Call
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RN First Call frequently (but not necessarily) occurs in small acute care hospitals, diagnostic and treatment centres and other settings where there is physician or nurse practitioner service available in the community.
Registered nurses who complete BCCNM certification in RN First Call may diagnose and treat minor acute illnesses as set out in the RN First Call Decision Support Tools (DSTs).
Additional information about Certified Practice
BCCNM regulates Certified Practice nurses, as well as recognizing Certified Practice certification programs and establishing scope of practice and QA requirements.
Fees
- Visit the
Fees page under "initial application fees"
Education
Registration and QA requirements
More information