Saskatchewan removes 240 policy barriers to expand nurses' scope of practice
By Your Southwest Media Group
REGINA — The Government of Saskatchewan and the Saskatchewan Health Authority have updated more than 240 clinical policies to let licensed practical nurses, registered psychiatric nurses and nurse practitioners work to their full scope of practice.
The changes took effect May 15 and remove provisions that previously limited what those three categories of nurses could do. The move is part of the province's Patients First Health Care Plan.
"By removing more than 240 policy barriers, we are maximizing the contribution of LPNs, RPNs and NPs, and strengthening how care is delivered across our health system," Health Minister Jeremy Cockrill said.
More than 15,240 nurses, including registered nurses, work across hospitals, long-term care, community care and other settings within the SHA.
SHA Chief Operating Officer Derek Miller said the updates eliminate unnecessary barriers for patients and providers. He said the changes let health care teams base decisions on modern standards that support timely, safe care.
The SHA is also standardizing nursing policies and clinical standards through a phased approach set to finish by Sept. 30. Duties being standardized include intravenous care, pain management support and the use of devices to deliver medications, fluids and other treatments.
The province said all changes are supported through education, competency validation and local leadership support.
The College of Licensed Practical Nurses of Saskatchewan, the College of Registered Psychiatric Nurses of Saskatchewan, the Saskatchewan Association of Nurse Practitioners, the College of Registered Nurses of Saskatchewan and the Association of Professional Nurses of Saskatchewan all voiced support for the change.
"Nurse Practitioners in Saskatchewan have one of the largest scopes in Canada," Saskatchewan Association of Nurse Practitioners President Toni Giraudier said. "When all health care professions work together at our full scope, patients, professionals and our health care system benefit."