Alberta Premier Danielle Smith, alongside Health Minister Adriana LaGrange and Nurse Practitioner Association of Alberta President Jennifer Mador, announced details of a groundbreaking Nurse Practitioner Primary Care Program today, aiming to enhance access to primary care for Albertans by offering a new compensation model for nurse practitioners (NPs).
Premier Smith highlighted the persistent challenges faced by Albertans in accessing primary healthcare services. Many residents grapple with lengthy wait times to secure appointments with healthcare providers, a situation the Premier termed “unacceptable.”
Historically, nurse practitioners in Alberta lacked a direct funding model enabling them to work autonomously in primary care settings or establish their own clinics. Premier Smith announced that under the new program, nurse practitioners would receive approximately 80% of the compensation that family physicians receive for offering comprehensive primary care services.
“This new program removes barriers and empowers nurse practitioners to open their own clinics, take on patients, and offer services that reflect their full extent of training, skills, and experience,” said Premier Smith.
The Alberta government has allocated a $2 million grant over the next three years to the Nurse Practitioner Association of Alberta. This funding will assist nurse practitioners in filling out applications, recruiting staff, and planning their practices, whether they choose to establish team-based clinics or practice independently.
To encourage higher patient attachment rates, the program includes incentives for nurse practitioners. Compensation will increase as their patient panel size grows, starting with a minimum panel size of 900 patients. Furthermore, additional supports such as panel management support programs and rural practice incentives are in place to bolster participation in the program.
Health Minister Adriana LaGrange emphasized the collaborative efforts that went into developing this program. She acknowledged the extensive consultations with the Nurse Practitioner Association of Alberta to ensure the program’s sustainability and effectiveness.
Nurse Practitioner Association of Alberta President Jennifer Mador hailed the announcement as a significant step towards modernizing compensation for nurse practitioners. She expressed optimism that the new model would foster collaboration among healthcare professionals, including physicians, to address healthcare deficits and improve patient access to primary care services.
The program is expected to attract up to 50 nurse practitioners in its first year, potentially serving approximately 45,000 patients. The initiative will operate for a minimum of five years, subject to regular reviews and adjustments to meet the evolving primary healthcare needs of Albertans.
In conclusion, Premier Smith emphasized the government’s commitment to strengthening Alberta’s primary healthcare system. “This is an exciting step forward in our journey to refocus the healthcare system and expand primary healthcare. While there is more work ahead, we are on the right path,” she said.