Advanced and Enhanced Practice Authorization: 2025 Review Underway

• Which activities still require advanced or enhanced authorization
• Whether the process for granting authorization is aligned with current practice

We’re doing this to ensure that advanced and enhanced authorizations are only required when necessary and that expectations are clear, safe, and consistent.

First Focus: Medication Administration

As part of the review, the College examined whether medication administration should still be considered an advanced or enhanced practice.

What We Learned

Is medication administration a restricted activity?

No. Based on our review of legislation, College policies, and practices in other health professions, medication administration is not considered a restricted activity.

This means that under Alberta’s Health Professions Act and the Health Professions Restricted Activity Regulation,
registrants do not need special authorization from the College to administer medications applicable to diagnostic imaging practice.

Good news, right? But that’s not the whole story.
While medication administration isn’t restricted, some methods of giving it are. Here’s what you need to know.

What Is and Isn’t Restricted

Some methods of medication administration—called routes of administration—may be restricted.
For example, giving medication through an intravenous (IV) line is a restricted activity which requires additional training and College authorization.

Practice Guidance

To help clarify what’s expected of registrants, the College has developed a Guidance Document on Medication Administration.
This document outlines:

• When authorization is required
• What’s within your scope
• Your responsibilities when administering medications related to diagnostic imaging

You must read this guidance in full.

What This Means for You

• If you perform Medication Administration, you must read the Guidance Document on Medication Administration.
• You do not need Advanced or Enhanced Practice Authorization to administer medications.
• You do need Advanced or Enhanced Practice Authorization if the route is restricted, like IV/Venipuncture.
• You are responsible for ensuring you have the knowledge, training, and skills to perform medication administration safely.
• Employers will still provide their own training programs, but the College does not need to approve them.

What’s Next

The College will continue reviewing Advanced and Enhanced Practice Authorizations through 2025. Medication administration was the first area reviewed.

As the review progresses, more updates will be shared.

Have Questions?

We are here to support you. If you have questions about your practice, restricted activities, or the 2025 review, please contact the College:

Email: info@acmdtt.com