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New limits and conditions for NPs applying X-rays


Apr 28, 2023

On April 27, 2023, the BCCNM board amended the Nurse Practitioner Scope of Practice: Standards, Limits and Conditions to allow nurse practitioners (NPs) to apply X-rays for diagnostic imaging purposes if they meet specific limits and conditions. This change takes effect immediately.

New limits and conditions

The revised limits and conditions set out that NPs can only apply X-rays:

  • In settings where there are organizational supports in place;
  • After completing additional education;
  • When the NP is using a Health Canada-approved device; and
  • When the activity is performed in an appropriate clinical setting that is suitable for the purpose and has the appropriate equipment to resolve any unexpected complications.

Note that the final interpretation of medical imaging results must be done by a diagnostic radiologist remains, but an NP can start treatment while waiting for a final interpretation.

Questions?

Email practice@bccnm.ca 

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.​