September 21, 2023: New and amended standards, limits, and conditions to create a new designation of certified practice for opioid use disorder (OUD) for RNs and RPNs have been approved by the BC College of Nurses & Midwives (BCCNM), effective November 1, 2023.
OUD certified practice RNs and RPNs will be able to diagnose and prescribe controlled drugs for the treatment of OUD. Nurses who currently diagnose and treat OUD and want to maintain this ability must transition to this new class of certified practice by December 1, 2023.
BCCSU will maintain responsibility for training RNs and RPNs under the new standards.
For more information about these amendments, please visit the BCCNM website.
The BC Centre on Substance Use is dedicated to strengthening addiction medicine education activities across disciplines, academic institutions, and health authorities, and training the next generation of interdisciplinary leaders in addiction medicine. This includes accessible online learning tools and resources, a fellowship training.