1-800-267-3390Please note: In this document, “dispensing of medication” specifically refers to RNs dispensing medication in the absence of a medical order for the treatment of a specific condition(s) following the RN’s nursing assessment.
In an effort to safely improve timely access to care for certain patient populations, an increasing number of Canadian provinces and territories have legislated (or are in the process of legislating) the ability for a Registered Nurse (RN) to prescribe or dispense certain medications autonomously under the RN scope of practice. This expanded scope of practice usually involves assessing, diagnosing and treating certain limited medical conditions by dispensing or prescribing medications. The practice is limited to RNs who work in specialized areas of practice or who work in a setting where additional adequate support is available from clinical support tools, and physicians or nurse practitioners.