Dr. Mary Favier:

My understanding of the legislation is that it will read "medical practitioner", which will restrict it to medical practitioners. Best practice internationally is moving towards mid-level providers in what is called "task shifting". In the UK, the services are almost entirely provided by nurses and midwives with doctors' supervision. Sometimes, the doctors' supervision is remote, that is, by telemedicine. In areas experiencing remote access issues or where not enough providers are giving mid-level training, nursing provision has been critical to allow for implementation. This matter would have to be carefully written into the legislation so that provision is appropriately structured. Individuals would have to be trained and involved in the process as well.