Health Minister Announces Provinces Will Expand Primary Care Provided by Nurse Practitioners
Federal Health Minister Mark Holland announced that starting April 1, 2026, provincial and territorial health plans will include coverage for primary care services provided by nurse practitioners, pharmacists, and midwives.
Holland stated that non-doctor health-care professionals will now be able to bill the government for necessary medical services that were previously only offered by physicians.
These changes are part of a new interpretation of the Canada Health Act, according to the minister, who emphasized the importance of ensuring patients do not have to pay out of pocket for essential care, such as at private nurse practitioner clinics.
He emphasized the need for consistency in billing practices within the health-care system and highlighted the role of nurse practitioners in relieving pressure on primary care physicians and improving overall access to care.
The implementation of these changes is set for next year to allow provincial and territorial governments sufficient time to adjust their health insurance plans accordingly.
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Holland’s directive, outlined in an “interpretation letter” to health ministers, aims to prevent patients from being charged for essential public health-care services.
The new policy allows non-physician health-care professionals to utilize their full skill set and deliver comprehensive care within the health-care system.
According to Holland, the changes will be enforced through federal health transfer payments, with potential deductions for any instances of patient billing for medically necessary care.
This directive follows previous concerns raised by former Health Minister Jean-Yves Duclos about patients paying for essential treatments out of pocket.
Discussions on virtual care billing are ongoing, and Holland emphasized the importance of ensuring that all aspects of health care are covered under the Canada Health Act.
