Released on October 31, 2012
Saskatchewan patients will benefit from legislative changes that will support physicians and nurses working to their full scope of practice.
The Medical Profession Amendment Act, 2012 was introduced in the Legislative Assembly today to replace legislation originally enacted in 1981. It will create the opportunity for both doctors and nurses to work to full scope and identify circumstances where the delegation of medical functions between providers is in the best interest of patients.
"These amendments support our efforts to provide appropriate care for patients and the safest possible health care environments for both patients and health providers," Health Minister Dustin Duncan said. "This is a positive step forward in putting our patients' interests first."
"The College of Physicians and Surgeons strongly supports the change to its legislation," College of Physicians and Surgeons of Saskatchewan Registrar Dr. Karen Shaw said. "The changes will allow for more flexibility in appropriately licensing physicians, as well as providing more opportunity for care to be provided by the professionals who are appropriately skilled to provide that care."
The amendments also provide the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Saskatchewan (CPSS) with the authority to create bylaws that will:
- allow the College to respond more quickly to the anticipated national changes in categories of licensure of health professionals; and
- improve the ability of the CPSS to contact physicians and facilitate protection and storage of patient files.
"The Saskatchewan Registered Nurses' Association (SRNA) has been involved in ongoing dialogue with the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Saskatchewan," SRNA Executive Director Karen Eisler said. "We are committed to working collaboratively to a patient-centred health care system that meets present and emerging health needs."
A wide range of health professional organizations were consulted before the proposed amendments were finalized, including the Saskatchewan Medical Association, Saskatchewan College of Pharmacists, Saskatchewan Association of Licensed Practical Nurses, Registered Psychiatric Nurses Association of Saskatchewan and all regional health authorities.
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For more information, contact:
Tyler McMurchy
Health
Regina
Phone: 306-787-4083
Email: tmcmurchy@health.gov.sk.ca