Plan to Protect Ontario Act (Budget Measures), 2025
Sponsored by Peter Bethlenfalvy PC
44th Parliament, Session 1
About this Bill
TL;DR
- • Lets nurses and pharmacists provide more services independently
- • More health services available directly at pharmacies
- • Patient safety concerns raised by some physician groups
- • Aims to ease pressure on family doctors and reduce wait times
Expands the scope of practice for nurses, pharmacists, and other regulated health professionals so they can perform additional services — such as prescribing certain medications and ordering diagnostic tests — without a physician referral. Also enables more healthcare services to be delivered directly through pharmacies and community settings.
Some physician groups have raised patient safety and oversight concerns about shifting clinical responsibilities away from physicians. Others, including nursing and pharmacy associations, argue these changes are essential to addressing Ontario's primary care shortage and long wait times.
▸ Formal title ▾ Formal title
An Act to implement Budget measures and to enact and amend various statutes.
Legislative Progress
First Reading
First Reading
May 5, 2025
Second Reading
Second Reading
May 29, 2025
Committee
Committee
May 29, 2025
Report Stage
Report Stage
May 29, 2025
Third Reading
Third Reading
Jun 3, 2025
Royal Assent
Royal Assent
Jun 5, 2025