Nurse practitioners (NPs) in Alberta want to be able to act as primary care doctors, but the primary care network (PCN) model and subpar pay prevents them from doing so.
That’s according to Susan Prendergast, president of the Nurse Practitioner Association of Alberta (NPAA).
The group gathered outside of the Alberta Legislature to call on Premier Danielle Smith and the United Conservative Party to make changes to the system so NPs can better use their skills.
Prendergast said about one in four Albertans are without a dedicated primary care doctor, though the number may be as high as 34 per cent.
“NPs have been shown to provide excellent care that’s considered equal to our physician colleagues,” said Prendergast.
“We can assess, diagnose, order and interpret tests, prescribe medications, refer and receive referrals.”
However, they can only do so if they’re hired by a PCN and Prendergast said that puts barriers up for patients.
“We are only able to be paid as an employee of a business, so we can be hired by a primary care network and be paid as a nurse practitioner to serve the primary care network’s patients.”
“Many employees that are in most primary care roles actually cannot look after their own patients. They share patients with other providers and that limits access to those that are unattached.”
Prendergast also said the salary for NPs working in a PCN is not good.
“Currently, we’re limited to working in a restricted manner for a wage that undermines our significant education experience and scope,” she said.
“We’ve asked for a salary-based model, so that we are able to continue to provide comprehensive, holistic, non-episodic care if necessary. But we are asking for equitable reimbursement.
“That does include overhead, because if a PCN wishes to employ a nurse practitioner or have us join their team, we need to be able to contribute financially.”
Press secretary to the minister of health Steve Buick said the government has consistently provided funding to PCNs to hire NPs.
“We’re working directly with the association on options for more NPs to provide primary care, building on the success we’ve had in adding NPs to PCNs, and incorporating the association’s suggestion of a new funding model,” he said.
Buick said Alberta Health staff are working on renewing and reinvesting in primary care across the program with the help of NPs.
Karen Parker, vice-president of the NPAA, said the primary care physician shortage worsens health for all Albertans and NPs can help.
“We are in a position to significantly stabilize, improve access and also support the planning for access to primary care in the future,” said Parker.
Prendergast said though conversations with Smith have been fruitful, she wants Albertans to reach out to their MLAs in support of the NPAA’s ask.
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