Alberta to fill primary health care gaps with $15-million nurse practitioners program

Alberta has announced a $15-million program aimed at supporting nurse practitioners to work independently, part of the province’s plan to improve access to primary care.More than 700,000 Albertans do not have a primary health care provider, according to the province. Health Minister Adriana LaGrange told a news conference Thursday that the government estimates 50 nurse practitioners will participate in the new program this year, eventually supporting a minimum of 45,000 patients, which she said will go “a long way” to address the current shortage.