The Government of Canada is making it easier for Canadians to apply for the Canada Pension Plan disability program
News Release
Expanding the role of nurse practitioners
December 14, 2017 Ottawa, Ontario Employment and Social Development Canada
The Honourable Jean-Yves Duclos, Minister of Families, Children and Social Development, today highlighted an important change to the Canada Pension Plan (CPP) disability program, in support of his commitment to improve delivery of programs and services for all Canadians. Starting today, treating nurse practitioners can provide patients with medical evidence required by the program.
Nurse practitioners are now able to independently complete the initial medical report included in the application kit for CPP disability benefits, as well as the medical forms associated with the automatic reinstatement and reassessment of CPP disability benefits and the Disability Vocational Rehabilitation Program.
Expanding the authority of all nurse practitioners to complete the medical reports for the CPP disability program broadens access to the program and reflects the evolving role of nurse practitioners in Canadian healthcare.
Quotes
“We understand the emotional and financial stress that a serious health condition can place on an individual and their family. Health professionals play a key role in the CPP disability benefit process. Allowing nurse practitioners to complete the medical reports required by the CPP disability program will simplify the overall process and make the program more accessible for Canadians.”
– The Honourable Jean-Yves Duclos, Minister of Families, Children and Social Development
Our Government is firmly committed to improving its services for people with disabilities and making it easier for all Canadians to apply for benefits and services. This is a step in the right direction and I look forward to introducing new federal accessibility legislation in the spring to bring about more positive changes for persons with disabilities.
—The Honourable Kent Hehr, Minister of Sport and Persons with Disabilities
“The changes to the CPP disability program allow nurse practitioners (NPs) to practise to the full extent of their regulated scope of practice. It is great news for people applying for disability benefits and will allow timely access to care for millions of patients whose primary care is delivered by NPs. Canada’s health-care system will benefit from less duplication of services, fewer barriers to care and lower health-care costs as a result of these changes.”
– Barb Shellian, president of the Canadian Nurses Association
Quick Facts
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Until today, only nurse practitioners in geographically isolated areas or where there was a lack of available physicians were able to complete the CPP disability medical reports and forms.
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Service Canada will pay health care professionals up to a certain amount for completing medical reports. Clients are responsible for covering any cost over that amount.
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Since December 3, nurse practitioners can also sign medical certificates for the Employment Insurance Program’s family caregiving benefits.
Associated Links
- Canada Pension Plan disability benefit
- Application kit for Canada Pension Plan disability benefits
- Automatic reinstatement of Canada Pension Plan disability benefits
- Vocational Rehabilitation Program for Canada Pension Plan disability benefits recipients
- Information for health professionals
- More choice and flexibility for families and caregivers
Contacts
Émilie Gauduchon-Campbell
Press Secretary
Office of the Honourable Jean-Yves Duclos, P.C., M.P.
Minister of Families, Children and Social Development
819-654-5546
Media Relations Office
Employment and Social Development Canada
819-994-5559
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