HESA Committee Report

RECOMMENDATION 1

That the federal health care partnership engage with all interested stakeholders to ensure their full participation in ongoing efforts to facilitate strategic partnerships in support of better programs, interdisciplinary care and evidence-based policy.

RECOMMENDATION 2

That the Department of National Defence consider reviewing the make-up of their intercollaborative mental healthcare teams, which include psychologists, psychiatrists, mental health workers, and social workers, to ensure that service delivery on the front lines and at home continue to meet the needs of our forces.

RECOMMENDATION 3

That Treasury Board review its Health Services Occupational Group to consider how midwives may be included.

RECOMMENDATION 4

That Health Canada review the roles of dental hygienists, occupational therapists, physiotherapists and midwives within the Non-Insured Health Benefits program to improve its ability to provide needed health services in rural and remote communities as part of a healthcare team.

RECOMMENDATION 5

That the federal government work with the provinces and territories to review the provisions of the Agreement on Internal Trade to ensure the harmonization of certification requirements for psychologists while maintaining requirements to ensure these professionals have training required for their work.

RECOMMENDATION 6

That the federal government work with provincial/territorial governments and with health professional associations to promote a consistent pan-Canadian approach to scope-of-practice expansions.

RECOMMENDATION 7

That the federal government review the requirement for physician referrals to health services under the Public Service Health Care Plan, in order to assure that access to care remains appropriate.

RECOMMENDATION 8

That the federal government review the ability of nurse practitioners to be included as signatories in federal tax and benefit programs, with a view to facilitating access for Canadians to timely benefits that affect their health.

RECOMMENDATION 9

That the federal government, through Health Canada, work with provincial and territorial governments to support the development, implementation and evaluation of interprofessional team approaches to the provision of primary healthcare and that it support research in this direction.

RECOMMENDATION 10

That the federal government, in collaboration with provincial and territorial governments, encourage pan-Canadian harmonization of scopes of practice.

RECOMMENDATION 11

That the federal government continue its work with provincial and territorial governments and other stakeholders to support the implementation of electronic health records across Canada.

RECOMMENDATION 12

That the federal government work with provincial and territorial governments and other interested stakeholders to assess health human resources planning challenges, particularly in rural and remote areas, and to facilitate the sharing of best practices and planning data.

RECOMMENDATION 13

That the federal government review existing internship or student programs, such as the Federal Student Work Experience Program and Health Canada’s Student Bridging Inventory, to consider training opportunities for healthcare professionals.

RECOMMENDATION 14

That the federal government review repayment requirements under the Canada Student Loan Program to ensure that health professions are treated fairly, and do not face unreasonable barriers to completion of their education.