Commentary: Optimizing Advanced Practice Nursing Roles in Canada.

The optimization of the health workforce is perhaps one of the most critical actions that health reform initiatives need to address moving forward. The optimization of advanced practice nursing roles is no exception. In general, scopes of practice tend to be organized on the basis of tradition and politics rather than how best they can meet shifting population health needs. Health workforce optimization is now both the language adopted internationally and a key area of focus for health reform.