Ontario Expands Nurse Roles to Improve Access to Care

TORONTO — Ontario is set to expand the scope of practice for nurse practitioners (NPs) and registered nurses (RNs), making it easier for residents across the province to access essential healthcare services. Announced on November 28 by Sylvia Jones, Deputy Premier and Minister of Health, the changes are part of the government’s Your Health plan, aiming to enhance healthcare delivery in various settings, including hospitals, long-term care homes, and primary care teams.

“Ontario is proud to be home to world-class health care professionals,” said Minister Jones in a statement. “Expanding the roles of highly skilled nurse practitioners and registered nurses is another step our government is taking to provide more people with the right care, in the right place.”

Our government is expanding the role of our highly skilled health care workers to use the full extent of their expertise to provide more people with the right care, in the right place.

Learn more: https://t.co/DAouqOqvOB pic.twitter.com/zWmHKl5M4c

— Sylvia Jones (@SylviaJonesMPP) November 28, 2024

Changes Effective July 2025
Starting July 1, 2025, nurse practitioners will be authorized to:

• Order and apply defibrillators to provide faster care during cardiac arrest.
• Order and apply cardiac pacemakers to treat irregular heartbeats more promptly.
• Perform electrocoagulation, allowing quicker treatment of skin conditions such as skin tags.
• Certify deaths in more circumstances, offering families a smoother end-of-life experience.

Registered nurses will also see expanded responsibilities, including certifying expected deaths, ensuring timely death registration while maintaining dignity for families.

Focus on Rural and Underserved Communities
The changes are expected to significantly benefit rural, northern, Indigenous, and remote communities, where access to timely healthcare services can be limited.

Support for Nurses Across the Province
The expansion builds on Ontario’s $500 million investment in its nursing workforce, which includes:

• Training new nurses and supporting job-specific upskilling.
• Easing the registration process for internationally educated nurses to begin practicing in Ontario faster.

A Broader Vision for Healthcare
This initiative aligns with the government’s broader efforts to maximize the expertise of healthcare professionals, ensuring Ontarians have better access to high-quality care close to home.

For residents in the Greater Toronto Area and beyond, the changes promise to reduce wait times, improve healthcare delivery, and address growing demands on the system.

Looking Ahead
As Ontario prepares for the implementation of these new regulations, the government emphasizes its commitment to innovative solutions and investments that put patients first. These changes represent another step toward strengthening the province’s healthcare system, particularly in under-resourced areas.

Stay tuned to GTA Today for updates on healthcare developments impacting the region.