Canada appoints chief nursing officer
Reinstating a position that was eliminated in 2012, Canada's federal government has appointed a national chief nursing officer. The role will "provide strategic advice from a nursing perspective to Health Canada on priority policy and program areas, including health workforce planning, long-term care, home care, palliative care, mental health, alcohol and drug use, as well as input on models of care and scope of practice and competencies." Concerns have been raised about the nationwide shortage of nurses, temporary closures of departments and services, and the strain on the healthcare system.