The Ontario government is looking at ways to give more health-care professionals the ability to do more for their patients. The goal is to make it easier and faster for people to get the care they need while easing the pressure on hospitals, walk-in clinics, and family doctors.
Deputy Premier and Minister of Health Sylvia Jones said many skilled professionals are ready to do more for their communities. By expanding their roles, doctors’ offices and emergency rooms can focus on the patients who need them most.
The province is now consulting with partners on changes that could expand the work of optometrists, psychologists, physiotherapists, and other health-care providers. For example, optometrists could be given permission to do minor surgical procedures, order diagnostic tests, and treat glaucoma without sending patients to a physician. Psychologists with specialized training may be allowed to prescribe certain medications for mental health conditions and addictions, as well as order basic diagnostic tests. Other professionals such as physiotherapists, chiropractors, dental hygienists, and speech-language pathologists could be granted the ability to order and perform diagnostic imaging like x-rays, MRIs, and CT scans.
Pharmacists may also see their role expanded. The government has asked the Ontario College of Pharmacists to prepare changes that would allow them to assess and prescribe for 14 additional common ailments such as sore throats, shingles, head lice, dandruff, warts, and mild sleep disorders. Pharmacists could also administer more vaccines, including for RSV, pertussis, and shingles, and provide treatment for opioid use disorder. Consultations will also look at allowing pharmacists to do point-of-care tests, such as strep throat testing, to better support patient care.