Saskatchewan government is moving forward with a new plan to expand access to primary health services by inviting nurse practitioners to deliver publicly funded care.An expression of interest opened on June 9 for nurse practitioners (NPs) who want to work as independent contractors under a new funding model. The initiative allows NPs to practise to their full scope and aims to increase access to services such as health assessments, chronic disease management, and treatment for common illnesses and injuries.“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.”.NPs interested in participating must submit their expression of interest by midnight on July 6. Invitations to formally apply will follow later in July, with contracts to be signed with the Ministry of Health.The government first announced plans in 2024 to develop a funding model for NPs to provide publicly funded care. This is the first formal step toward implementation.The Ministry of Health says it will work closely with the Saskatchewan Association of Nurse Practitioners (SANP) throughout the process..“We are excited to see this project come to fruition,” said SANP President Michelle O’Keefe. “It allows nurse practitioners to work both individually and alongside primary care physicians and allied health professionals.”O’Keefe added that the new model supports team-based care and opens the door to innovative approaches in primary health delivery.
