List of Doctors and Nurse Practitioners Accepting Patients

Summary#

This bill changes The Provincial Health Authority Act to create a public registry of family doctors and nurse practitioners in Saskatchewan who are accepting new patients. The goal is to make it easier for people to find primary care.

• Requires the Health Minister to publish a list of family physicians and nurse practitioners taking new patients.
• The list must include names and contact details and be available on a website or another electronic tool.
• The registry must be up within three months after the law takes effect.
• No new provincial money can be used from the General Revenue Fund; the ministry must use existing resources.

What it means for you#

• Patients and families

  • One place to check for family doctors and nurse practitioners who are taking new patients.
  • Saves time calling multiple clinics; contact details will be listed.
  • Being on the list does not guarantee you will get accepted as a patient.

• Family physicians and nurse practitioners

  • If you are taking new patients, your name and contact info may be listed so people can reach you.
  • You may see more calls and messages from people seeking care.
  • You will likely need to keep your status (accepting or not) up to date so the list stays accurate.

• Rural and remote residents

  • A province-wide list may help you see options beyond your immediate area, if you are willing to travel or use virtual care (where available).

• Ministry of Health / Saskatchewan Health Authority

  • Must set up and maintain the registry within three months, using current staff and tools.
  • Will need a process to gather, verify, and update provider status and contact details.

Expenses#

Estimated new provincial spending: none authorized; must be done with existing resources.

• The bill bars use of the province’s General Revenue Fund for publishing and running the registry.
• Costs (staff time, web tools) must be absorbed within current ministry resources.
• No public estimate of internal costs or workload has been provided.

Proponents' View#

• Gives people a clear, simple way to find a primary care provider.
• Saves time for patients who now have to cold-call clinics.
• Could help shift some care away from emergency rooms and walk-in clinics by linking more people to ongoing primary care.
• Includes nurse practitioners, widening options for patients.
• Sets a fast timeline (three months) to respond to patient needs.

Opponents' View#

• Without new funding, building and maintaining a quality, up-to-date list may strain existing staff and lead to errors.
• A registry does not create more providers; shortages may still make it hard to find a doctor.
• If updates are slow, people may face outdated information and more frustration.
• Clinics on the list could be flooded with calls, adding administrative burden.
• People without easy internet access may still struggle, since the registry is online or electronic.