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We acknowledge that Manitoba is on the original lands of the Dakota, Anishinaabeg, Cree, Oji-Cree, Dakota, Dené, Inuit and Métis Nation. We acknowledge that the College of Registered Psychiatric Nurses of Manitoba is located on Treaty One territory. We respect the Treaties that were made on these territories, and we acknowledge the harms and mistakes of the past. We dedicate ourselves to moving forward in partnership with First Nations, Métis, and Inuit communities in a spirit of reconciliation and collaboration.

RPN(AP) – Frequently Asked Questions

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Authorized Prescriber Role for Registered Nurses and Registered Psychiatric Nurses Frequently Asked Questions

This document is to assist managers and nurses with questions you may have regarding the AP program and the funding available. All nurses interested should discuss this opportunity with your managers.

What is the Authorized Prescriber Role?

The Authorized Prescriber role enables Registered Nurses and Registered Psychiatric Nurses to bring a distinct impact on access and quality care within three practice areas in Manitoba: Sexual and reproductive health, Diabetes management and Travel Health. 

Where are Authorized Prescribers required?

A significant public need has been identified for the AP role for Registered Nurses (RNs) and Registered Psychiatric Nurses (RPNs). Three central practice areas have been identified as areas of focus for the AP role:

  • Sexual and reproductive health
  • Diabetes management
  • Travel health
What is the benefit of having the AP role?

This role permits RNs and RPNs, who complete a specialized education program, to prescribe medications for specific client populations. This differs from the current approach whereas RNs and RPNs administer medications with a prescriber’s order. Under the current Regulated Health Professions Act, the Authorized Prescriber Role has been added for RNs, and RPNs under General Regulation. The goal of the AP role is to:

  • Target gaps in access and care for structurally disadvantaged populations and persons living with chronic illness
  • Decrease health care costs through nurse-driven primary, secondary, and tertiary approaches to care
  • Promote timely treatment for Manitobans in the areas of sexual and reproductive health, diabetes management, and travel health
  • Expand the RN and RPN scope of practice to better meet the health needs of Manitobans

A nurse in the AP role engages in critical inquiry to determine holistic plans of care. Following thorough assessment, diagnostic reasoning and planning occurs; engaging the client and their supports as appropriate. Care involves ordering specific diagnostic tests and prescribing drugs and vaccines relevant to the AP’s areas of practice. APs maintain the responsibility of interpreting and managing the client’s test results, evaluating treatment, and working collaboratively with other health care providers to ensure the overall health needs of the client are met.

How do I know what coursework I need to take?

The pathways (below) are designed to allow the prospective RN or RPN to determine where they best fit. It is up to the RN or RPN to determine the application requirements to the CRNM or CRPNM, this information can be found on each of their websites. An authorized prescriber notation provides registered nurses and registered psychiatric nurses with the authority to initiate prescriptions and order diagnostics and screening tests for three specific populations. These populations are:

  • diabetes health, and
  • reproductive health and sexually transmitted infections and blood borne pathogens, and
  • travel health (available for RNs only).

Each population has a specific theory course. Education requirements include three courses

  • prescribing course,
  • theory course specific to the population and
  • a clinical course.

If you are a registered nurse or registered psychiatric nurse who is interested in becoming an authorized prescriber, here are two pathways to achieve an authorized prescriber notation. The first step is to determine which scenario applies to you.

Scenario 1. RNs and RPNs have extensive experience and content knowledge regarding the population – travel health, diabetes or reproductive/STBBI but have not completed a prescribing course. They have obtained and maintained one of the following as an alternative to the theory course:

  • International Association of Forensic Nurses Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner (SANE) Certification
  • International Society of Travel Medicine (ISTM) Certification of Travel Health
  • Canadian Diabetes Educator Certification Certified Diabetes Educator (CDE)

Nurses must complete a prescribing course through either Athabasca University (AU) or Red River College Polytech (RRCP) and a clinical course at RRCP and maintain their certification.

After both the prescribing and clinical courses are successfully completed, the nurses must apply and be approved for an AP notation with their College for the applicable population.

Scenario 2. Nurses are interested in the authorized prescriber role and may or may not have experience specific to the populations of travel health, diabetes or reproductive/STBBI or initiating prescriptions. These nurses must complete all three components of the education: prescribing, theory and clinical courses. Education is available through the existing RN prescriber programs at RRCP or the approved prescribing course at AU (MB RN Prescribing) with the theory and clinical courses at RRCP.

When the education is successfully completed, the nurses must apply and be approved for an AP notation with their Regulatory College for the applicable population.

Do I have to pay for the courses?

Yes, as these courses are offered through an educational institution, there is a tuition fee (cost).

There are education funds available to support nurses in various regions. Consult with your employer to determine the availability and/or access to education funds.

Will my salary increase once I have the authorization (notation) to prescribe in my practice?

At this time, there is no increase in salary.

Will I have to do a refresher course or have a specific number of hours utilizing the AP status to stay current?

There are no additional practice hours required for RNs or RPNs with a notation beyond the usual requirements, however it is an expectation that you maintain competence as AP. Continuing competence requirements include a self-assessment using the AP Practice expectations. On the registration renewal application, you will be asked if you continue to practice in the role of AP as you need to maintain a role with AP competencies. If you are not practicing in an AP role for more than three years you are not eligible to maintain the notation.

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College of Registered Psychiatric Nurses of Manitoba

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