A new report is urging the province to give its nurses more powers.It says Ontario should let nurses perform tasks like diagnosing ear and throat infections and prescribe drugs, such as birth control pills.
Dorin Grinspin of the Registered Nurses' Association of Ontario says the recommendations will help contain health-care costs.
Health Minister Deb Matthews agrees with the RNAO that nurses should be doing more, but notes the government has moved forward to improve access to care through the opening of nurse practitioner clinics across the province.
