THUNDER BAY -- Nurse practitioners in Ontario can now refer patients to specialists without needing a doctor.
Nurse Practitioner's Association of Ontario president Tannice Fletcher-Stackhouse said the announcement Monday means better access to care for patients, especially in Northwestern Ontario. Previously a nurse practitioner needed a doctor to co-sign when referring patients to specialists. Now that it's no longer required, patients can also be referred through Telehealth Ontario, good news for people in rural areas Fletcher-Stackhouse said.
That can also reduce travel costs.
"The flow is going to be better," she said.
Nurse practitioners will still work with partnering doctors and referrals won't be done unnecessarily Fletcher-Stackhouse said.
