The focus is currently on Licensed Practical Nurses, Registered Psychiatric Nurses , and Nurse Practitioners.

This year on May 15th, over 200 clinical policies were updated to allow those nurses to take on more responsibilities when in the workplace.

Moving forward the SHA and the provincial government are looking to speed up the standardization of nursing policies and clinical standards, specifically where LPNs, RPNs, and NPs practice. The SHA and the provincial government are looking to implement the change by September 30th this year.

Certain duties being standardized include pain management support and the ability to use devices meant to safely deliver treatments.

The changes are part of the governments Patients First Health Care Plan. The plan is meant to improve access to care, strengthen the healthcare workforce, and make the patient experience better.