Transforming and Supporting Patient Care - Health Professions ...

285Chapter 12 – Profession of Nursing• do so in accordance with federal and provincial legislation;• ensure there is a written prescription for each drug compounded;and• document in the client record the compounding process includingthe name and quantity of each drug and include the rationale forcompounding.What HPRAC FoundDispensing DrugsReadiness for ChangeThe CNO has received feedback from its members, during a number ofconsultations through outreach programs, the CNO’s teleconference seriesand various events and conferences. Members spoke out in favour of beinggranted the authorized act of dispensing drugs. 24 NPs have stated that beingauthorized to dispense birth control pills and samples of drugs tomarginalized clients would better serve clients and improve overall accessto quality health care. 25Other Jurisdictions – Dispensing DrugsRPNsAccording to the CNO, 26 RPNs functioning in Canada are authorized todispense drugs, with limitations, in New Brunswick and Quebec. In BritishColumbia and Alberta, licensed practical nurses (LPNs), which areequivalent to RPNs, are authorized to repackage medication for patients onleave or refill their dosette for daily self-dosing. In the Yukon, LPNs mayonly dispense under supervision by a RN or a physician. In the NorthwestTerritories, employers may transfer drug dispensing functions to RPNs. Thesituation is slightly different in the United States, where two of elevenjurisdictions, Colorado and Oregon, authorize dispensing by RPNs.RNsThe CNO reports that RNs are authorized to independently dispense drugs,with limitations, in Newfoundland, Saskatchewan, Alberta, British Columbia,the Yukon and the Northwest Territories. In Quebec, RNs working in travelclinics may dispense and administer drugs according to protocols. NewBrunswick RNs may only dispense under delegation. Dispensing is notauthorized to RNs in Manitoba or Prince Edward Island.24CNO. Submission to HPRAC: Review of Non-Physician Prescribing and Administration of Drugs: 27.25CNO. Submission to HPRAC: Registered Nurse in the Extended Class, Scope of Practice Review: 35.26CNO. Submission to HPRAC: Review of Non-Physician Prescribing and Administration of Drugs: 232-233.HPRAC Critical Links January 2009