Legislation and regulation

This page provides information on the guiding legislation and regulating body for certified registered nurses (RN(C)s), certified registered psychiatric nurses (RPN(C)s), registered nurses (RNs) and registered psychiatric nurses (RPNs).

The Health Professions Act, the Nurses (Registered) and Nurse Practitioners Regulation, and the Nurses (Registered Psychiatric) Nurses Regulation set out the scope of practice for RN(C)s, RPN(C)s, RNs, and RPNs.

Nurses are also guided by the Medicare Protection Act (1996) and the Medical and Health Care Services Regulation established the Medical Services Commission (MSC). The MSC is mandated to facilitate reasonable access to quality health care and diagnostic facility services for B.C. residents through MSP.

British Columbia College of Nurses and Midwives (BCCNM) is the regulatory body for licensed practical nurses, RNs, RPNs, nurse practitioners and midwives in B.C.

BCCNM sets standards, limits and conditions related to the practice of RNs and RPNs under the Nurses (Registered) and Nurse Practitioners Regulation, and the Nurses (Registered Psychiatric) Nurses Regulation.

For information on the standards, limits and conditions, registration requirements and more, visit the BCCNM website.

RN(C)s and RPN(C)s

The Health Professions Act, the Nurses (Registered) and Nurse Practitioners Regulation, and the Nurses (Registered Psychiatric) Nurses Regulation provide for recognizing the practice of RN(C)s and RPN(C)s who:

• Complete a BCCNM-approved certified practice course, and
• Apply to BCCNM for a certified practice designation.

BCCNM Bylaws made under the Health Professions Act establish:

• Certified practice designations 
• Requirements for initial certification and maintenance of certification
• Details for inclusion on the public register
• Fees associated with certified practice

The Medical and Health Care Services Regulation Section 45 enables RN(C)s and RPN(C)s to independently make referrals to MSP for selected laboratory medicine tests approved as within scope for RN(C)s and RPN(C)s by BCCNM.

RNs and RPNs

RNs and RPNs can independently refer eligible MSP beneficiaries for selected medically necessary laboratory tests within their scope of practice and in alignment with the standards established by the BCCNM and employer policy.

The Laboratory Services Regulation enables RNs and RPNs to independently make referrals to MSP for laboratory services for the purposes of communicable disease prevention and management.