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Patient guide · reviewed 31 Oct 2026

What Can a Nurse Practitioner Do in Ontario?

Short answer: most of what you would see a family doctor for.

Bluewater Metabolic & Clinical Services · Suite 206, 805 Christina St N, Point Edward · Video visits across Ontario

A Nurse Practitioner (NP) is a Registered Nurse with graduate education and a separate licence from the College of Nurses of Ontario. NPs work on their own authority. They don’t need a doctor to sign off on their decisions.

What an NP can do in Ontario

  • Take your history, examine you and make a diagnosis
  • Order and interpret lab tests and diagnostic imaging
  • Prescribe medications, including controlled substances, when appropriate
  • Refer you to specialists and other health professionals
  • Complete forms such as sick notes, return-to-work forms, MTO driver’s medicals and pre-employment medicals
  • Manage ongoing conditions such as high blood pressure, diabetes, thyroid problems and weight-related health

When an NP isn’t the right place

Emergencies go to 911 or the emergency department. Some problems need a specialist, a surgeon or hospital tests; when that happens we refer you and tell you what to expect.

How it works at our clinic

You book directly online, with no referral, family doctor or OHIP card needed. Our NP sees you in clinic in Point Edward or by secure video anywhere in Ontario. Nurses (RN and RPN) do your intake and some procedures, and a Registered Social Worker provides counselling.

Our NP visits are private, so you pay a published fee. See fees. Lab tests we order are usually OHIP-covered if you have OHIP. Many workplace benefit plans and Health Spending Accounts reimburse some services; you get an itemized receipt.

Common reasons people book

Common questions

Can a nurse practitioner prescribe medication in Ontario?
Yes. Ontario NPs can prescribe medications, including controlled substances, when clinically appropriate.
Can a nurse practitioner order blood work and X-rays?
Yes. NPs order and interpret lab tests and diagnostic imaging, and refer to specialists.
Is a nurse practitioner covered by OHIP?
NPs in publicly funded clinics are paid by the province. Our clinic is private, so NP visits have a fee. Lab tests we order are usually OHIP-covered for insured patients.
Do I need a referral to see a nurse practitioner?
Not at our clinic. You can book directly.

Sources

General information only, not advice for your situation. Written and reviewed by our clinical team (Nurse Practitioner, RN, RSW) using the sources listed. In an emergency call 911.

Talk it through with us

No referral or OHIP card needed. Fees are confirmed before you book.