Atlantic Physician Registry earns regulatory modernization award from CFIB

CHARLOTTETOWN, P.E.I. — A joint effort by the Atlantic provinces to ease the burden of cross-provincial work for the region’s physicians has earned regulatory modernization honours from the Canadian Federation of Independent Business (CFIB).

The Atlantic Physician Registry, launched last May, makes it easier and cheaper for physicians registered in Nova Scotia, P.E.I., Newfoundland and Labrador and New Brunswick to practice in any of the provinces.

The Golden Scissors Award, presented during CFIB’s 15th annual red tape awareness week, highlights initiatives undertaken by jurisdictions across the country to reduce doctors’ administrative burden and overall red tape in the sector.

Practitioners can join the first-of-its-kind multi-jurisdictional licensing system for an annual fee of $500 without facing additional licensing requirements, eliminating the need for separate full applications and fees for individual provincial physicians’ colleges.

“For example, a doctor licenced in New Brunswick with verified credentials would have had to fill out a 16-page application to receive a temporary licence in Nova Scotia,” CFIB explained in a jurisdiction report.

“They would also have been required to pay $300 in fees for the initial application, and an additional $354 per 30 days, up to 180 days, maxing out at $2,124.

“If the same doctor wanted to apply for licences in Newfoundland and Labrador and Prince Edward Island, they would also have incurred fees of $1,895 and $2,125, respectively, for a total of $6,144.”

CFIB also notes the Nova Scotia government estimates physicians can save about 190 hours of administrative work.

A release from the Council of Atlantic Premiers indicates more than 270 physicians have already signed up.

Ontario’s new Your Health Act, which allows any credentialed health-care worker from across Canada to start work immediately while they await registration, was also a Golden Scissors recipient.