Consultation Overview
In early 2022, NSCN is introducing Registered Nurse Prescriber as a new expanded scope of practice. As a result, the Board must make new by-laws for Part VII, Section 27 in order to incorporate previously approved Competencies and Standards of Practice for RN Prescribers. Any proposed by-laws must be shared with registrants for a 30-day feedback period under Section 9(2) of the Nursing Act.
To participate in this consultation, please review the proposed By-Laws below and email NSCN if you have any feedback.
Background on the Initiative
Since 2015, NSCN (and one of our legacy Colleges, the College of Registered Nurses of Nova Scotia (CRNNS)), has been a member of a Department of Health and Wellness initiative to develop and implement RN Prescribing in Nova Scotia.
Prior to the creation of NSCN, CRNNS Council developed the Competencies and Standards of Practice for RN Prescribers.
The Competencies for RN Prescribers describe the integrated knowledge, skill and judgment required for safe and competent prescribing practice. The Standards of Practice for RN Prescribers outlined the professional and legal obligations and accountabilities of RN prescribers. They provide a common understanding of RN prescribing practice expectations.
The development of the Competencies and Standards of Practice for RN Prescribers involved extensive consultation, including:
- Development of subject matter expert (SME) groups to review the proposed Competencies and Standards of Practice for RN Prescribers and provide feedback. The groups consisted of representatives from a variety of key stakeholder groups including employers, nurse practitioners, educators, pharmacists and clinical nurse specialists
- Draft Competencies and Standards of Practice for RN Prescribers were shared with over 10,000 RN, NPs and industry partners for feedback
The Competencies and Standards of Practice for RN Prescribers were approved by the CRNNS Council in December 2018 prior to the proclamation of NSCN.
It is intended that RN prescribing will take effect on January 1, 2022. New by-laws will need to be approved in order for both the Competencies and Standards of Practice to take effect.
Click here to view the finalized version of the RN Prescriber Competencies and the Standards of Practice for RN Prescribers.
Proposed By-Law Amendment
NSCN proposes that new by-laws be added to Part VII, Section 27: Code of Ethics, Standards and Competencies of the NSCN By-Laws as follows:
- 28.10 The standards of practice for RN Prescribers are the Standards of Practice for Registered Nurse Prescribers developed by the College of Registered Nurses of Nova Scotia
- 28.11 The competencies for RN Prescribers are the Registered Nurse Prescriber Competencies developed by the College of Registered Nurses of Nova Scotia.
Join the Conversation
If you have feedback regarding the proposed new by-laws, please email Heather Totton, Senior Director, Governance and General Counsel, at heather.totton@nscn.ca by November 20, 2021.
Consultation Next Steps
NSCN will share the by-law feedback with the NSCN Board for their consideration, prior to their vote on whether to approve the amendment to the by-law. If the amendment is approved, an updated By-Laws document will be posted here on the website.
