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Contraceptives coverage in B.C.: information for prescribers


Apr 4, 2023

 

As of April 1, 2023, BC PharmaCare covers the full cost of many contraceptives for all B.C. residents:

  • Oral contraceptives
  • IUDs - hormonal and copper
  • An implant
  • An injection
  • Emergency oral contraceptives (no prescription needed)

Nurses, nu​rse practitioners and midwives are encouraged to let people know about this coverage, and all prescribers are encouraged to prescribe a contraceptive that PharmaCare fully covers or help patients transition to one. Any B.C. resident, of any age, fully enrolled in MSP, is eligible. The prescription can be for reasons other than contraception, such as to prevent osteoporosis.

There are no forms to fill out. Prescribers prescribe, and people simply present the prescription at a pharmacy with their BC Services Card/Personal Health Number.

Information for Certified Practice nurses

BCCNM in September 2022 approved new scope of practice limits and conditions for RN Certified Practice that will enable RN(C)s to prescribe; however, other requirements must still be put in place before this can happen, and at this time, Certified Practice nurses are not authorized to prescribe. RN(C)s are still authorized to administer and dispense medications according to the decision support tools for their certified practice and ​using current processes established by their employer(s). BCCNM will provide updates over the coming months on this project.

More information

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, Métis, and Inuit 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.​