RELATED: The Ford government is exploring options on how to bring nurse practitioners into the public healthcare system as service providers similar to doctors as the province deals with increased complaints of fee-based clinics that have popped up across Ontario. Global News' Queen's Park Bureau Chief Colin D'Mello reports.
“However, the CHA does not contain provisions with respect to the permissibility of non-physician providers, for example Nurse Practitioners, charging patients for care that would be covered under the CHA if performed by a physician.” In her letter, Jones asked the federal government to “work with provinces and territories on a Canada-wide solution to close this loophole, to guard against unintended consequences, and prohibit nonphysicians from charging for publicly funded services.”
A spokesperson for Holland added that the point of the interpretation is to ensure Ontario residents can access services “without having to pay out of pocket.”Both the Ontario NDP and Liberals have accused the government of skirting its responsibilities by turning to the federal government to address the issue.