[REGINA] The Saskatchewan Registered Nurses’ Association is in full support of the Saskatchewan government’s announcement of regulation changes that will allow Registered Nurse (Nurse Practitioners) [RN(NP)]s to prescribe controlled drugs and substances to patients for the first time in Saskatchewan. This new authority means that as of January 2015 citizens of Saskatchewan will have greater access to timely health care and a range of continuous services from RN(NP)s.
“Other provincial jurisdictions have introduced this regulation, and we are confident that this new legislation will allow provide greater access to comprehensive care for patients who may require monitored drugs,” says Signy Klebeck, RN, SRNA President. “This legislation removes barriers that previously existed, which means that nurse practitioners are able to work within their existing scope of practice to meet the health care needs of their patients, families and communities.”
In addition to setting education standards on controlled drugs and substances, the SRNA acknowledges the best practice of accessing the Pharmaceutical Information Program (PIP) to verify a patient’s medication history, when prescribing a monitored drug. The SRNA, as the registered nurse regulatory authority, will continue to fulfill its mandate to protect the public by regulating RN(NP)s to provide safe care. The SRNA ensures that all RNs and RN(NP)s protect the public by providing and improving health care services in collaboration with clients, other members of the health care team, stakeholders and policy makers.
“Our main role is to protect the public and our priority is ensuring that patients receive safe and quality nursing care,” adds Klebeck. “As of January, 2015, all nurse practitioners licensed to practice in Saskatchewan will have successfully completed education and training that has prepared them to prescribe controlled drugs and substance to the people of Saskatchewan.” Nurse practitioners are registered nurses with advanced knowledge, skills and education that enables them to provide leadership in health promotion and health management. Since 2003, nurse practitioners have worked closely with other health professionals to address complex health needs and manage acute and chronic illnesses within a holistic model of care.
SRNA is the profession-led regulatory body for the province's over 11,000 registered nurses including over 185 nurse practitioners. The Registered Nurses Act (1988) describes the SRNA's mandate in setting standards of education and practice for the profession and registering nurses to ensure better Health for all through nursing regulation, professional practice, and collaboration. The SRNA is responsible for ensuring continuing competence, professional conduct, standards of practice, a code of ethics and the approval of nursing education programs.
For more information, contact the Saskatchewan Registered Nurses’ Association:
Shelley Svedahl, Manager, Communications & Public Relations
Ph: (306) 359-4216 Cell: 306-539-1442 ssvedahl@srna.org
