BILL NO. 251

(as introduced)

1st Session, 64th General Assembly
Nova Scotia
1 Charles III, 2022

 

Private Member's Bill

 

Improving Access to Primary Care
with Nurses in Family Practice Act

 

Elizabeth Smith-McCrossin
Cumberland North

First Reading: November 3, 2022

Second Reading:

Third Reading:

 

An Act to Improve Access to Primary Care
with Nurses in Family Practice

Be it enacted by the Governor and Assembly as follows:

1 This Act may be cited as the Improving Access to Primary Care with Nurses in Family Practice Act.

2 (1) Subject to subsection (2), a licensed practical nurse or registered nurse may act as a nurse in family practice.

(2) Before acting as a nurse in family practice, a licensed practical nurse or registered nurse shall be mentored by a nurse in family practice for an appropriate duration of time based on the experience and expertise of the nurse.

3 A nurse in family practice shall provide collaborative and comprehensive care with nurse practitioners and family physicians, including

(a) illness prevention, such as nutrition and immunizations;

(b) patient education;

(c) early screening, such as cervical screening, colon cancer screening, well-baby assessments and osteoporosis assessment; and

(d) chronic-disease management, such as management of diabetes, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and cardiac disease.

4 (1) Subject to subsection (2), a funding arrangement for nurses in family practice must be determined by a collaborative agreement between Doctors Nova Scotia, the Department of Health and Wellness and other stakeholders.

(2) The money required for the purpose of subsection (1) must be paid out of money appropriated for that purpose by the Legislature.

 

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