New regulations expand scope of practice for Alberta nurses

CALGARY (660 NEWS)- Nurses across the province will play a bigger role in the health care system.

The provincial government introduced new regulations that will expand the scope of practice for registered nurses and nurse practitioners.

Beginning in the spring of 2019 they will be able to prescribe medications and order x-rays, nurse practitioners will be able to set bone fractures.

Deputy Premier, Minister of Health, Sarah Hoffman said the changes ensure Albertans are getting better patient care.

“Things like penicillin or other medication to help quickly begin a treatment option rather than having to wait. When I think about the community I grew up in, we had a registered nurse who was there a few days a week but if you needed other things you had to go out of town. ”

Dennie Hycha, president of the College and Association of Registered Nurses of Alberta (CARNA) says the expanded scope is historic.

“What is most important is Albertans will have more access to medications and tests, when they need them and when it’s most appropriate.”

Hycha adds that not all nurses will be prescribing.

“We have 38,000 plus registered nurses in the province. We are taking a very measured approach to implementing this. We are starting with pilot projects and we are going to learn from that and take a look at where else we can further develop this type of care and services,” said Hycha.

Hospitals will not be the only place where this type of care is being practiced.

“Within communities as well, rural’s and remote communities they’re certainly an area, we have had indigenous communities really express interest. It is really about providing timely access to those services where there might not be a primary care readily available or available in a timely matter,” said Hycha.

The extra authority will only be available for nurses already practicing with a certain amount of hours under them and they will receive additional training through CARNA