Pharmacists OK'd to replace, extend and renew prescriptions
Published Wednesday October 29th, 2008
New Brunswickers seeking prescribed medications may no longer have to consult their family doctor, visit the emergency room or go to after-hours clinics.
Due to an amendment made last May to the province's Pharmacy Act, pharmacists now have the power to replace, extend and renew existing prescriptions. They can also issue new prescriptions for pre-existing conditions in emergency situations, as well as alter prescriptions to accommodate special needs.
Similar initiatives are underway in the United Kingdom and across Canada, including in Alberta, Manitoba, British Columbia, Nova Scotia, Saskatchewan and Prince Edward Island.
"I think this is a good news story for New Brunswickers," said Bill Veniot, registrar with the New Brunswick Pharmaceutical Society, at a news conference.
"It's going to provide more access and better access to medications where some patients have had difficulties in getting medication. This will alleviate some of those things."
As many as 9.5-million prescriptions are filled in New Brunswick each year.
Veniot said the change will allow pharmacists to extend a refill for situations such as when a patient runs out of heart pills before seeing a physician.
Leona Hood, 77, of Fredericton, said she thinks the new rules are great.
She said she once ran out of medication, but the pharmacist gave her enough to last until she could get to the doctor.
"It's something you don't do on purpose," Hood said with regard to running out of medication. "I like the idea (of a pharmacist prescribing) if you can't get to a doctor."
Veniot said pharmacists have already been doing many of these chores through the extended authority of a physician, or as a result of decisions made around professional judgment issues, or when a situation is connected to ethical or problem-solving dilemmas.
The big difference is they can now refill without a doctor's authority.
"Pharmacists are experts in drug therapy," said the registrar. "We're well-qualified to do these things and we've got lots of expertise in drug management (and) drug therapy, what drugs can do in the body, and what they affect and how they work."
Veniot said pharmacists will also be watching for anything that's not quite right with patients.
"We anticipate some situations where the pharmacists will have to say, 'No,' " Veniot said.
The expanded role given to pharmacists doesn't apply to prescriptions for narcotics and benzodiazepines.
New Brunswick Pharmacists' Association president Dennis Abud said while the new powers mean more convenience for some patients, it's not meant to replace a physician.
"If a pharmacist renews or extends a prescription, we have regulations in place to ensure physicians are notified to changes to a patient's prescription," he said. "We are pleased with this initiative and will continue to work co-operatively with other health-care providers to ensure the best possible care for New Brunswickers."
Paul Blanchard, executive director of the association, said he didn't expect the new rules would lead to an increase in the number of prescriptions being issued.
There are more than 700 pharmacists in New Brunswick.
Blanchard said he would like to see that number increased - noting the new rules could serve as a potential recruitment tool.
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