On September 7, 2023, the Council of the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Nova Scotia approve amendments to the Medical Practitioners Regulations (N.S. Reg. 225/2014). The primary aim of these amendments is to facilitate the registration and licensing of physician assistants and podiatrists, thereby expanding the scope of practice within Nova Scotia’s healthcare system. These regulatory changes follow recommendations from the Minister of Health and Wellness and are designed to enhance healthcare delivery by formally recognizing the roles of physician assistants and podiatrists.

The amendment process involved updating specific sections of the existing regulations. Notably, Section 1 was revised to refer to the “Medical Act Regulations,” clarifying the regulatory framework for the amendments. New definitions were added to Section 2 to establish clear terminology for physician assistant and podiatrist licenses, along with other relevant roles and programs. Terms such as “physician assistant licence,” “podiatrist licence,” and “Physician Assistant Program” were introduced to outline the criteria and structure governing these professionals.

The amendments include Sections 63A through 63J, detailing the application processes, permitted activities, and licensing criteria for both physician assistants and podiatrists. For physician assistants, applicants must demonstrate compliance with specific criteria and submit professional conduct certificates if registered in other jurisdictions. They will practice under the supervision of a physician and adhere to the standards established by the Council. The new regulations allow physician assistants to engage in various medical practices within defined scopes and to participate in the governance of the College if eligible. Similarly, podiatrists must meet registration criteria and may only use their professional designations if they hold a current license, ensuring high standards of practice and accountability.

In Section 63G, the permitted activities for podiatrist license holders are also explicitly defined, granting them rights comparable to those of physician assistants. They can practice within their scope of podiatric medicine, participate in College committees, and vote at meetings, fostering inclusivity within the medical community. The amendments specify conditions under which licenses may become invalid, such as suspension, revocation, or failure to meet ongoing eligibility criteria, which is crucial for maintaining professional standards and public safety. Another key update is the exemption from requiring a Medical Identification Number for Canada for both physician assistants and podiatrists, reflecting a more streamlined licensing approach.

By formally recognizing the roles of physician assistants and podiatrists, these amendments aim to improve access to care and enhance the collaborative nature of healthcare services. This is expected to lead to better health outcomes for patients by fostering a more diversified and responsive healthcare workforce.

Nova Scotia (169/23) October 6, 2023