On November 6, Health Minister Sylvia Jones announced that RNs will soon be able to independently prescribe certain medications, including medications for smoking cessation, anesthetics used topically for pain relief, and hormonal and intravaginal contraceptives. RNAO has called for RN prescribing in Ontario since 2012. Beginning in January 2024, RNs can take a course approved by the College of Nurses of Ontario (CNO), at select colleges and universities to expand their practice to include prescribing. RNAO is also urging that this training be integrated into the four-year nursing baccalaureate curriculum. RNAO President Dr. Claudette Holloway says this will provide Ontarians with accessible and timely health care. “I think our public can be fully relieved to know that they have educated professionals who will be delivering this care,” she says. (610 CKTB, Nov. 8). Read this Toronto Star op-ed from 2013 supporting RNAO's advocacy.