Ontario eyes early 2027 rollout for next phase of pharmacist expansion: OCP

Ontario pharmacists are on track to gain another round of expanded responsibilities in early 2027, according to Ontario College of Pharmacists (OCP) staff who provided an update to the regulator's board of directors on Monday.Ahead of a vote to launch a 60-day public consultation on proposed changes to the Standards of Operation for Pharmacies, staff outlined a series of upcoming milestones tied to the province's expanded scope rollout."As early as September, that's our intention for a number of things coming to the board . . . with additional milestones ultimately leading to what we think will be the next phase sometime in early 2027," Todd Leach, the college's director of communications, policy and knowledge mobilization, told the board.An information note prepared for the board specified the province has signaled its intention to approve the remaining five minor ailments included in the college's original scope expansion proposal, after the first phase takes effect this summer."The May 11th announcement indicates an intention to authorize the additional minor ailments in early 2027, in line with the College's implementation timelines included in its regulatory submission," reads the note. While the province's May announcement made no reference to buprenorphine, OCP staff said it expects pharmacists will eventually be authorized to administer the injectable medication, used to treat opioid use disorder, though provincial approval is still pending.The first phase of the province's expanded scope changes remains set to come into effect in a couple weeks on July 1, 2026. On that day, pharmacists will be able to assess and prescribe for nine additional minor ailments, including nasal congestion, mild headaches, ringworm and warts. Three new vaccines will also be added to a publicly funded vaccine bundle, and pharmacy technicians and intern technicians will be authorized to administer all Schedule 3 vaccines. The conditions still under consideration include swimmer's ear, fungal nail infections, and certain minor sleep disorders. At the meeting, the OCP’s staff also clarified new deadlines for pharmacy technicians. Technicians and intern technicians who have completed and registered their injection training can administer vaccines beginning July 1, but they will have until March 31, 2027, to complete newly-mandated CPR and first aid certification."In order to preserve the public's access to vaccines, especially during the respiratory illness season, and to provide registrants with a reasonable amount of time to meet new practice requirements, the College is establishing a transition period for the CPR and first aid certification requirement for both pharmacy technicians and intern technicians," the information note states.After the new deadlines were presented, the board approved the 60-day public consultation on proposed changes to the Standards of Operation for Pharmacies. The amendments support forthcoming scope expansions by clarifying language around privacy, access to patient information, staffing and workflow. A final version could return to the board for approval as early as September. A redline draft of the Standards of Operation soon to be out for consultation are viewable in the board meeting’s agenda.

Ontario eyes early 2027 rollout for next phase of pharmacist expansion: OCP

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