There are three components to the education and training pathway for prescribing OAT medications (POATSP: Registered Nurses and Registered Psychiatric Nurses online course, workbook, preceptorship).

Note: The minimum recommended time for preceptorships for RNs and RPNs is 40 hours; however, there may be circumstances where additional learning time and preceptorship days are required. Preceptors and RNs/RPNs can collaboratively determine whether the duration of the preceptorship is sufficient or should be extended in order ensure each RN/RPN has the necessary time to develop their knowledge, skills, and key competencies. If adding more than one full preceptorship day, please email [email protected] to discuss.

Application and Approval Process

Once you have approval from your employer, please complete the RN/RPN CP-OUD education application form prior to the application deadlines.

Successful candidates will be notified by email, and will be required to complete same comprehensive education and training pathway as Health Authority-affiliated nurses, including POATSP RN/RPNs online course, workbook, and 40-hour preceptorship with a BCCSU-approved preceptor.

There is no charge to complete the authorized CP-OUD education and training pathway; participants are responsible for their own travel, accommodation and expenses related to the preceptorship.

After successful training completion, BCCSU will provide BCCNM with the names and registration numbers of those nurses who have completed the BCCSU CP-OUD education and training pathway. The RN/RPN then applies to the BCCNM to register for CP-OUD designation. The learner receives confirmation through the BCCNM that they have been entered into their Certified Practice registry, and will receives a BCCNM-assigned prescriber number.

Seat Allocation

There are 10 seats available in the CP-OUD Education per year. Seat allocation is based on community needs, which includes prioritization of rural/remote locations, and other equity based-care considerations. The BCCSU reserves the right to adjust seat allocation based on utilization and need, throughout the year. Application to the pathway does not guarantee acceptance.

For information or questions contact: [email protected]

In the authorized education and training pathway for certified practice in opioid use disorder (CP-OUD), there are a limited number of designated seats per year for RNs and RPNs employed outside of health authority settings.

Eligibility

To be eligible, registered nurses (RNs) and registered psychiatric nurses (RPNs) who are not employed by a health authority and want to become opioid use disorder certified (CP-OUD) need:

• To be a registered nurse or registered psychiatric nurse in British Columbia registered with BCCNM
• Approval from your employer (i.e., program manager or nursing supervisor with your organization) to complete the education and training pathway
• To commit to applying their OUD-certified practice scope by caring for people with OUD by diagnosing, treating, and managing ongoing care as an integral part of their professional duties after completing the education and training pathway

Extended-release buprenorphine (Sublocade) is an opioid agonist treatment for individuals with moderate-to-severe opioid use disorder who have been stabilized on sublingual buprenorphine/naloxone. This expansion is a significant step forward in enhancing opioid agonist treatment (OAT) options and improving care for people with opioid use disorder.

Key Updates:

1. New Buprenorphine Decision Support Tool (DST): Now includes guidance on extended-release buprenorphine.
2. Education Requirements:

• • Required:
    • POATSP: RN & RPN Extended-release Buprenorphine Module
    • Indivior Sublocade Certification Prescribing Course: 15-minute online course on how to prescribe and administer extended-release buprenorphine (Sublocade), and how to become familiar with warnings, precautions, and safety information. The learner will complete a certification quiz at the end of the program.
  • Optional:
    • BCCSU Practical Administration of Sublocade Injection online course (UBC CPE): A 45-minute course on the administration of Sublocade, accredited for 0.75 CEUs.

3. Updated Workbook and Guidebook: these feature new content and case studies to support learning through case studies on extended-release Buprenorphine. Contact the BCCSU ([email protected]) to obtain the updated Registered Nurse and Registered Psychiatric Nurse CP-OUD Workbook.