In a letter to the editor published before the release of the provincial budget on March 26, RNAO CEO Dr. Doris Grinspun takes aim at clinics that charge for health care and advises on how NPs and NP-led clinics must be fully covered by the province to ensure timely access to quality care by NPs. (National Post, March 24)

Unfortunately, Eileen Murphy’s experience of being charged for health care in Ontario is not an isolated case. RNAO, which represents registered nurses and nurse practitioners in Ontario, knows of other clinics in the province that charge clients to access nurse practitioner services. This is unacceptable. Also unacceptable is that 2.3 million Ontarians don’t have consistent access to primary care.

To keep healthy and prevent complications when ill, everyone must have access to primary care in our publicly funded health system — without having to pay a fee. Nurse practitioners play a critical role delivering comprehensive, top-notch primary care and access to their expertise is essential. Access to nurse practitioners must be covered by the province and not via a price tag to patients.