Interprofessional

Various New Brunswick welfare groups have banded together to fight a government proposal to double the amount some seniors in the province’s prescription drug program pay in co-fees.

Life and health insurers urge New Brunswick to follow the path taken by other provinces.

Legislation tabled would give pharmacists the ability to extend or adjust prescriptions, treat some minor conditions, request and analyze lab tests, and administer medications for the sake of instruction.

For a small province, New Brunswick serves up its share of big medical issues. From Dr. Henry Morgentaler’s abortion clinics, to pathology lawsuits (from patients and doctors) to IMG licensing issues, provincial college registrar Dr. Ed Schollenberg has been there for it all.

A plan by the New Brunswick government to save an estimated $3 million a year by doubling what some seniors pay for prescription drugs has been criticized by the province’s pharmacy association and welfare groups.

Some companies still asking doctors to sign off on prescriptions written by nurse practitioners.

Nurse practitioner reduced visits by improving continuity in care, troubleshooting problems for patients.

Many people still can’t get past the notion that pharmacists spend their workdays dispensing medication—“a stock boy with pills,” as Jerry Seinfeld describes the profession. So would it be such a big deal not to have pharmacists? Would other healthcare professionals have the capabilities and willingness to take over the role?