Currently, Nurse Practitioners (NPs) in NB are restricted from prescribing or possessing anabolic steroids with the exception of testosterone. This restriction was previously in keeping with federal legislation.
The Nurse Practitioner Therapeutics Committee (NPTC) made a recommendation to the NANB Board of Directors on January 22, 2025 regarding the removal of the anabolic steroids from the exceptions listed in Appendix 1 of the Standards of Practice for Nurse Practitioners, which was approved. The proposed amendments were then approved by the Minister of Health, Hon. John Dornan, on March 27, 2025.
This aligns with the Subsection 56(1) Class Exemption for Nurse Practitioners to Prescribe Anabolic Steroids for Therapeutic Use which now broadens NP prescribing authority beyond testosterone to permit all anabolic steroids. As per Standard 1 of the Standards of Practice for Nurse Practitioners, indicator 1.3 states that the NP attains, maintains, and enhances competence within own NP practice (p. 6). If NPs do not feel competent in prescribing anabolic steroids, they are responsible to seek additional knowledge and assistance to provide safe care to their clients.
If you have any questions, please contact Practiceconsultation@nanb.nb.ca
