Ontario is looking to expand prescription powers for both nurses and pharmacies. It’s part of a large health bill currently before the legislature intended to help with staffing levels on a short term basis during surge periods.

But critics including the NDP and Ontario Health Coalition say the bill could deregulate certain health professions and allow people to call themselves doctors and nurses, even if not necessarily qualified. But Health Minister Sylvia Jones says there are provisions in place.

“Under Bill 60, as “as of right” will ensure that a nurse who is practicing in any part of Canada will be able to come to Ontario and begin practicing in Ontario as opposed to waiting for a licensure through the Ontario College of Nurses and are still covered by their existing licensure,” said Jones.

A spokesperson for the health ministry says during high patient volumes, nurses could be given he power to prescribe medication, apply defibrillation and ECGs, and allow pharmacists to administer certain substances by injection or inhalation.