Decision Support Tools &
Related Resources
RN(C)s and RPN(C)s certified by BCCNM carry out specific restricted activities within their autonomous scope of practice. These DSTs set out those activities for the three certified practice areas NNPBC stewards (RN First Call, Remote Nursing, and Contraceptive Management), and NNPBC maintains the competencies for all five areas.
Clinical judgment comes first
DSTs do not replace professional responsibility to exercise independent clinical judgment and use evidence to support competent, ethical care. Certified nurses must consult with or refer to a physician or nurse practitioner as appropriate, or whenever a course of action deviates from a DST.
Decision Support Tools
Decision Support Tools are grouped by numeric series to make the library easier to scan. Each listing includes the practice area and last revised information.
100
Assessment and Diagnostic Guidelines: General
RN First Call & Remote Nursing
Last revised
April 2025
300
Assessment and Diagnostic Guidelines: Ear, Nose & Throat
RN First Call & Remote Nursing
Last revised
July 2025
303
Care and Treatment Plan: Dental Abcess (Adult)
RN First Call & Remote Nursing
Last revised
July 2025
400
Assessment and Diagnostic Guidelines: Cardio-Respiratory
RN First Call & Remote Nursing
Last revised
September 2025
401
Care and Treatment Plan: Bronchitis, Acute (Adult)
RN First Call & Remote Nursing
Last revised
September 2025
500
Assessment and Diagnostic Guidelines: GI / GU
RN First Call & Remote Nursing
Last revised
February 2026
701
Assessment and Diagnostic Guidelines: Use of Nitrous Oxide/Oxygen in Pain Management (Adult)
Remote Nursing
Last revised
April 2025
800
Assessment and Diagnostic Guidelines: Contraceptive Management
Contraceptive Management
Last revised
June 2025
801
Care and Treatment Plan: Combined Hormonal Contraceptives
Contraceptive Management
Last revised
June 2025
802
Care and Treatment Plan: Progestin-Only Hormonal Contraceptives
Contraceptive Management
Last revised
June 2025
803
Care and Treatment Plan: Insertion and Removal of Intrauterine Contraceptives
Contraceptive Management
Last revised
June 2025
Latest revision summaries
A list of the most recent DST updates, so that certified registered nurses can quickly see what has changed.
Integument series (July 2026)
DST 600-603. The suite was reorganized so that cellulitis and localized abscess are now addressed together in a single care and treatment plan.
GI/GU series (February 2026)
DST 500 and DST 501 reissued, including the UTI care and treatment plan.
Cardio-Respiratory series (September 2025)
DST 400 and DST 401 updated for assessment and acute bronchitis.
Nurses keep these tools alive
DSTs are stewarded, not stored. Certified practice nurses help keep these tools current by noticing, requesting, reviewing and sharing feedback.
Request a change
Practicing from a DST and something doesn’t match current evidence or practice reality? That observation can start a revision.
Contact Practice Support
Send NNPBC your questions about scope, certification or applying a DST in your context. Our Practice Support team is here to help you.
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