Nurse practitioners, or NPs, are Registered Nurses who have completed additional training, education, and nursing experience. It enables them to diagnose and treat illnesses, prescribe medication, and do other tasks similar to a doctor that a Registered Nurse cannot. However, there are certain prescriptions that are outside of the scope of a Nurse Practitioner.  In a private setting, our Nurse Practitioner should not replace a family doctor but instead are there for additional support if you don’t feel you are getting the care elsewhere.  NPs also cannot bill through OHIP. See other FAQs for details about coverage for NPs.