The province has mandated a review of its health authority following a critical report by the Auditor General and a Public Accounts Committee investigation into its use of travel agency nurses.

The AG found that Agency A – later revealed to be Toronto-based Canadian Health Labs – billed the health authority for millions of dollars worth of expenses including rental vehicles and kitchen equipment. In some cases, vehicles were billed to the health authority for nurses who weren’t even in the province, while other expenses were not approved by the health authority.

Health Minister Krista Lynn Howell calls the review an opportunity to “reinforce public trust,” while NL Health Services CEO Pat Parfrey calls it “timely and appropriate.”

The review will evaluate governance and accountability at NLHS, and oversee the implementation of the AG’s recommendations, including an examination of “cost containment” measures. It will also examine the relationship between the health authority and the department and determine the level of appropriate government oversight.

There is no immediate word on when the review will be complete.