Effective January 1, 2022, the ability for registered nurses to prescribe some medications and diagnostic tests has been implemented to help improve patient access to and continuity of health care services for Nova Scotians.
RN prescribing enables RNs with specialized education and skills to prescribe medications, therapeutics, devices and/or tests for health conditions within their specific area of expertise and clinical practice setting approved by their employer. The first cohort of RN prescribers completed the RN Prescribing Certificate Program at Dalhousie University in December 2021 with the next cohort completing the program in February 2022.
This model of care has already effectively been implemented in other Canadian provinces and in the United Kingdom. RN prescribers will be prescribing in approved Primary Health Care locations, including select units and clinics at Nova Scotia Health and the IWK. They will provide care within the health care team and are responsible for their prescribing decisions.
“NSCN is pleased to collaborate on this province-wide initiative that will improve access to timely primary care for so many Nova Scotians“, says Douglas Bungay, Senior Director, Legislative Services and Deputy Registrar at NSCN. “As the province’s regulator, we maintain our commitment to the public to ensure the safety and competence of RN prescribers through the development of standards and competencies, resources to support practice and the licensure and authorization of these registered nurses.”
With our mandate to protect the public, NSCN has developed a regulatory framework to ensure only those who have the knowledge, skill and advanced education are able to practice as an RN prescriber. This framework also helps RN prescribers understand what is expected of them and ensures they are prepared to provide safe, ethical care to patients in Nova Scotia.
