Module 1: Professional Accountability and Prescribing

Lesson 2

Introduction

As discussed in lesson 1, federal and provincial/territorial legislation and regulations authorize NP prescription of controlled drugs and substances. In this lesson, the role of provincial/territorial nursing regulatory colleges and associations will be examined, with a specific focus on RN and NP competencies, standards of practice and other supportive mechanisms. Protection of personal health information is a critical accountability for RNs and NPs for all aspects of patient care. Because of the potential for stigma associated with the use of controlled drugs and substance, practice standards and legislation related to protection of personal health information will be reviewed.

Learners can review the resources for any jurisdiction. In doing this, it is helpful to consider the reflection questions provided in this lesson and think about how you would apply the information in these resources to your clinical practice setting and patient population.