Registered nurses in Ontario will soon be able to independently prescribe some medications.

“We are making it easier for healthcare professionals to work to the full extend of their training and expertise while providing people with more convenient access to care closer to home,” announced Health Minister Sylvia Jones on Monday.

Beginning in January, nurses will be able to take additional training and certification courses that will allow them to write prescriptions for birth control, smoking cessation and travel medications.

Nurses once qualified will also be able to prescribe flu shots and COVID-19 vaccines.

The certification courses are being developed and will require approval from the Council of the College of Nurses of Ontario.

So far, there is no set date for when qualified nurses will be able to give prescriptions.

Doris Grinspun is CEO of the Registered Nurses Association of Ontario and has long called for nurses to be able to write prescriptions.

She says the association welcomes the move “with open arms.”