This standard applies to LPNs, NPs, RNs, and RPNs.Practice Standards set out requirements related to specific aspects of nurses’ practice. They link with other standards, policies and bylaws of the BC College of Nurses and Midwives and all legislation relevant to nursing practice. Show This
Medication practice standard outlines nurses'1 accountabilities for providing safe nursing care to clients when performing activities involving medication. “Medication” refers to Schedule I, IA, II, III, and unscheduled drugs as defined in the provincial Drug Schedules Regulation under the Pharmacy Operations and Drug Scheduling Act (PODSA). Nurses have the authority to administer, dispense, and compound certain medications under the Nurses (Licensed Practical) Regulation, the Nurses (Registered) and Nurse Practitioners Regulation, and the Nurses (Registered Psychiatric) Regulation. Nurses may administer, dispense, or compound medications to or for a client2 by:
Nurse practitioners, registered nurses, and registered psychiatric nurses also have the authority
to prescribe certain
medications within their autonomous scope of practice under the Nurses (Registered) and Nurse Practitioners Regulation, and the Nurses (Registered Psychiatric) Regulation. For specific scope of practice standards, limits and conditions related to administering, dispensing, compounding and/or prescribing medications, refer to BCCNM’s:
Employers provide the organizational supports and systems necessary for nurses to meet the Standards of Practice. PrinciplesAll Medication Related Activities
Medication Administration
Dispensing Medications
Preventing Medication Errors
Medication Inventory Management
Applying the principles to practice
Footnotes
back to top |