A government-appointed committee is recommending the New Brunswick Department of Health start allowing physician assistants to work in the health-care system, beginning with emergency departments.

The government committee suggests these physician assistants can improve access, reduce wait times and save money, CBC News has learned. The assistants work under the supervision of a doctor but can perform physical exams, write prescriptions and give stitches.

The United States has used physician assistants for more than 40 years and they've also worked for the Canadian Forces for many years.

Ontario and Manitoba recently introduced them to their health-care systems, and they've been so successful that both provinces have set up university training programs.

Health Minister Michael Murphy decided to study the idea of using physician assistants in New Brunswick last fall and struck the committee with representatives from the Department of Health, the regional health authorities and several medical organizations.

In its report, the committee recommends introducing physician assistants, starting with the province's understaffed emergency departments.

It says these specialists provide safe, appropriate care and their skills are well suited to emergency rooms. They're also paid about half of what ER doctors make per hour.

The report recommends that another committee work out the details, such as how many physician assistances are needed and where they should be located.

It suggests ongoing evaluation, with a final report within five years and developing a New Brunswick training program.