I referred to the expanding scope of practice of nurses in a variety of areas, beyond front-line medicine. In fact, the Canadian Nurses Association now recognizes more than 20 specialties.
Why can we not coordinate the effects of that expanding scope of practice with health workforce planning efforts? They are all positive things; the curriculum is very comprehensive, with accredited training programs. But we don't have an overview of the situation, and that is why we would like the federal government to help us put all the puzzle pieces together.
As for establishing physician assistant positions, Manitoba has been offering programs since the 1990s. Students receive a master's level education. Ontario has offered programs for a few years now. The practice is growing across the country, with about 300 physician assistants right now. With a new practice developing, I thought what a perfect opportunity to do things properly, but no, everyone prefers to do it their own way.
It's a matter of mutual respect. If doctors believe that physician assistants are as well trained as they are and subject to the same stringent level of regulation they are, they will gladly work with them. The first and foremost focus of doctors is the health and safety of their patients. If, however, someone on their team has an unclear skill set or role, things will not work as well.