RNs have two education options available to become authorized to prescribe in Ontario. They can: 

• graduate from a CNO-approved Ontario baccalaureate nursing program that offers prescribing as part of its curriculum, or
• complete a CNO-approved RN prescribing continuing education program. 

RNs must successfully complete prescribing education approved by CNO Council to prescribe medication, and communicate diagnoses safely, effectively and ethically.

Once an RN becomes authorized to prescribe, information will be added to their profile on CNO’s public Register, Find a Nurse. This information confirms the RN meets all the requirements and has the authority to prescribe the specified medications outlined in the Nursing Act.

RNs with the authority to prescribe can prescribe approved medications for the following purposes:

• Immunization
• Contraception
• Travel health
• Topical wound care
• Smoking cessation
• Anesthetics
• Allergic reaction
• Over-the-counter medication

For the list of medications authorized RNs can prescribe, click here.

RNs who wish to prescribe must complete Council approved RN prescribing education.

The school will verify with CNO that the RN has completed the program and met the requirements for prescribing. CNO will then update it’s public Register, Find a Nurse, to make it easy to identify that the RN is authorized to prescribe.

RNs with the authority to prescribe can only do so in practice settings or facilities where RN prescribing is authorized by law and permitted by the employer. The Public Hospitals Act does not enable RNs to prescribe medications in hospital settings.

Employers are responsible for determining the roles and responsibilities of their employees, including determining whether nurses can perform certain activities and procedures in the practice setting. RNs are expected to consult with their employers to confirm that prescribing is permitted in the practice setting.

CNO’s RN Prescribing Practice Standard outlines the legislated scope of practice and professional accountabilities for RNs who have the authority to prescribe.

The practice standard expands on the accountabilities found in the Medication standard, Scope of Practice standard and the Code of Conduct. RNs are expected to practice in compliance with both legislation and CNO practice standards.

Resources are available on the Standards & Guidelines page to support the safe RN prescribing in practice.