Scope of practice: Nfld. pharmacists now allowed to assess, prescribe for minor ailments

New regulations in Newfoundland and Labrador have expanded the scope of pharmacists in that province. On Tuesday, the province announced new regulations under the Pharmacy Act 2012, including prescribing and treating for minor ailments such as nausea, cold sores, hemorrhoids and eczema.Pharmacists in the province will also be permitted to substitute a prescribed medication with another drug of equivalent therapeutic affect, as well as prescribe over-the-counter products including vitamins and diabetic supplies.According to Steven Kent, Minister of Health and Community Services, the province has been working on expanding the scope of practice for pharmacists for two years. In October 2014, the province announced pharmacists were approved to administer medications by injections.“This was our next priority,” says Kent of the new regulations regarding minor ailments. “We think it makes good sense. It will alleviate waits at doctors’ offices and even emergency rooms.”The regulations take affect today. To start prescribing and treating minor ailments, pharmacists must apply directly to the provincial board, take an online orientation test, and pay a $100 fee.Under the new regulations, pharmacists and pharmacists are permitted to charge a fee they regard as appropriate for the service.“We expect the fees to be comparable to those in other provinces,” Kent says.There are no immediate plans to reimburse pharmacies for any consultation fees associated with minor ailments. No paid pilot projects are planned for the new regulations.The province and the Newfoundland and Labrador Pharmacy Board worked together on the new regulations. Consultations were held with the College of Physicians and Surgeons, the Newfoundland and Labrador Medical Association, the Association of Registered Nurses of Newfoundland and Labrador and pharmacists in the community.“The signing of these regulations is a significant step in recognizing the abilities of pharmacists to improve health care delivery in the province," says Margot Priddle, registrar with the Newfoundland and Labrador Pharmacy Board.“Pharmacists’ prescribing is supported by the Boards Standards of Practice and Code of Ethics ensuring quality care and the safety and well being of the public.”Here is the full list of minor ailments eligible under the new regulations:Acne (mild)Allergic RhinitisAtopic Dermatitis (mild-moderate)Callouses and CornsCold SoreContact DermatitisDandruffDiarrhea (Non-Infectious)DysmenorrheaDyspepsiaEmergency ContraceptionFungal Infections of the SkinGastroesophageal Reflux DiseaseHeadache (mild)HemorrhoidsImpetigoJoint Pain (mild)Muscle Pain (mild)NauseaOral Fungal InfectionOral UlcerationPinwormsSleep Disorders (mild)

Scope of practice: Nfld. pharmacists now allowed to assess, prescribe for minor ailments

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