Saskatchewan has launched a new initiative aimed at expanding the role of Nurse Practitioners in the province’s primary care system.
The provincial government issued a call Monday for expressions of interest (EOIs) from Nurse Practitioners (NPs) interested in providing publicly funded health services. The initiative is designed to improve access to primary care and allow NPs to work to the full extent of their training and expertise.
"We are committed to ensuring that every Saskatchewan resident has access to a primary care provider by 2028," Health Minister Jeremy Cockrill said in a statement. "This new initiative creates more opportunities for Nurse Practitioners throughout the health system and improves access to primary care services across our province."
The initiative supports the government’s broader goal, announced in 2024, to develop a funding model enabling NPs to offer publicly funded services such as health assessments, treatment for common illnesses and injuries, and chronic disease management.
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The expression of interest is now open and will close at midnight on July 6. Following the review process, invitations to apply will be issued in late July. Selected applicants will enter into contracts with the Ministry of Health and operate as independent contractors.
The ministry says it is working closely with the Saskatchewan Association of Nurse Practitioners (SANP) to implement the program.
"We are excited to see this project come to fruition, as it allows Nurse Practitioners to work both individually, and alongside primary care physicians and allied health professionals," said SANP president Michelle O'Keefe. "We appreciate the efforts by the Ministry of Health to provide Nurse Practitioners access to an innovative funding model that promotes team-based care."
Virtual information sessions about the program will be held on June 17 and 19. Details, including the expression of interest form, are available on the provincial government’s website.