Dear CNO

I heard there were some regulation changes that impact medication practices for all nurses, is that true?

Yes, there are! There are some important medication practice changes that affect all nurses due to recent regulatory changes. It’s important for all nurses to be aware of these changes as the updates may impact your practice.

What’s new for RNs and RPNs?

The Scope of Practice standard was updated to include the expanded scope of RNs with prescribing authority. This means that some RNs can now prescribe certain medications for their clients, and that RNs and RPNs can now follow orders from these RNs to dispense or administer medications by injection or inhalation. Of course, you still need to make sure that RN prescribing is permitted in your practice setting by checking with your employer and any relevant legislation related to your setting.

What’s new for all nurses?

The Medication practice standard has also been revised for all nurses who dispense medications or administer medication by injection or inhalation, regardless of the authorizing provider. The Medication standard states that nurses must

• have a therapeutic nurse-client relationship when engaging in all medication practices

• only dispense or administer medication by injection or inhalation for therapeutic purposes

• label the medication container with all the information listed in Appendix A of the Medication standard when dispensing medication, and document and retain a copy of the label information in the client’s health record

What’s new for NPs?

Certain dispensing conditions have been removed from the Nurse Practitioner standard so that it is now the same for all nurses when dispensing medication. Previously, NPs were permitted to only dispense medication in specific circumstances; for example, if the client did not have access to a pharmacy. This change makes it easier for the public to access care and further contributes to client safety.

What do these changes mean for you?

These changes ensure all nurses follow the same safety standards when engaging in medication practices.

Lastly, if you are an RN in the General Class interested in prescribing, you should talk to your employer to see if RN prescribing is permitted in your practice setting. Visit cno.org to find out more on how to become authorized to prescribe, including approved education programs and FAQs. Be sure to review the RN Prescribing standard or watch a recording.

Thanks for writing, 
Cathy Tersigni, RN, BScN, MN, Advanced Practice Consultant

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