The Cancer Agency Amendment Regulations, 2023 (Regulations 60/2023), enacted under The Cancer Agency Act, represents an update to the regulatory framework governing cancer care in Saskatchewan. These amendments primarily focus on clarifying the roles of healthcare professionals involved in cancer diagnosis and treatment, particularly the involvement of physician assistants.

One of the most notable changes in the regulations is the modification of definitions. The previous definition of “physician” remains unchanged, however, the term “physician assistant” has now been introduced, aligning its definition with The Medical Profession Act, 1981. This inclusion specifies that physician assistants must practice under the supervision of a physician, highlighting the collaborative nature of healthcare delivery in cancer treatment.

The establishment of a new section (8.1) that outlines the responsibilities of physician assistants regarding the provision of information to the Saskatchewan Cancer Agency. Under this section, when a physician assistant is required to provide information about an individual diagnosed with a reportable cancer, they must supply a comprehensive set of documents, which may include autopsy reports, consultation reports, diagnostic orders and reports, discharge summaries, laboratory orders and reports, medical history, medication orders and reports, operative reports, and treatment summaries. This extensive list underscores the critical role of physician assistants in ensuring that the Cancer Agency has access to the necessary health information for effective cancer management. By detailing the types of reports and summaries that may be requested, the regulations aim to facilitate better communication among healthcare providers and enhance the quality of cancer care.

By clarifying the roles of physician assistants and standardizing the information they must provide, these amendments aim to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of cancer diagnosis and treatment processes. The inclusion of specific document types ensures that healthcare providers can make informed decisions based on comprehensive patient histories. 

Saskatchewan (60/2023) July 14, 2023