Free consultations, expanded scope filling gaps in primary care, P.E.I. pharmacists say Ten months after launching, P.E.I. pharmacists say a provincial program funding consultations for common ailments at pharmacies is easing pressure on the Island's health-care system.
The province has been covering $25 consultations on more than 35 common ailments within pharmacists' scope of practice — from urinary tract infections to skin conditions to allergies — through the Pharmacy Plus program since October.
Health Department officials said in an email to CBC News 31,000 patients have completed 46,000 assessments through the program.
https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/prince-edward-island/pei-pharmacy-plus-update-august-2023-1.6927156
Nova Scotia pharmacists want greater scope of practice to ease burden on health care system In February, PANS and the province announced a pilot project aimed at allowing pharmacists to use their full training (scope of practice) to help provide patients with more timely access to primary health care.
Although 11 participating pharmacies were initially announced at the launch, there are now 24 across the province. At those specific locations, patients can book appointments to be treated for minor ailments (strep throat) or for chronic diseases like diabetes, asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).
In the first six months of operation, Bodnar said community pharmacy primary care clinics have provided more than 41,000 services. These include 10,000 strep assessments.
“People that would have all needed to seek care elsewhere. It has also changed the professional life of the pharmacists who are working there. We hear things like ‘I am so grateful. I’ve waited 20 years to practice this way and now I’m finally here,’” Bodnar said.
https://www.halifaxexaminer.ca/health/nova-scotia-pharmacists-want-greater-scope-of-practice-to-ease-burden-on-health-care-system/ New Regulations Expand Pharmacist’s Scope of Practice in Newfoundland and Labrador The provincial government is expanding the scope of practice for pharmacists.
Under the new regulations, which are now in effect, pharmacists can now extend prescriptions to a maximum of 12 months, rather than the 90 days previously allowed. However, any one extension cannot be for more than a 90-day supply.
Pharmacists can now prescribe four new ailments at no charge to residents with a valid MCP. Those are conjunctivitis, fungal nail infections, shingles (herpes zoster), and uncomplicated urinary tract infections.
As well, pharmacists can now prescribe, at no charge, five ailments that previously were only covered by the prescription drug plan. Those are gastro, nicotine dependence, herpes simplex, fungal skin infections, and hemorrhoids.
Two new categories of prescribing have been added including hormonal contraceptives and post-exposure prophylaxis.
https://vocm.com/2023/04/04/new-regulations-expand-pharmacists-scope-of-practice-in-newfoundland-and-labrador/ Expanding pharmacies scope of practice will have a material and lasting long term implications on the business profile of pharmacies across Canada. Last quarter, Neighbourly mentioned that the expanding scope of pharmacy in Ontario and BC has increased revenues by 1% to 2%. This is a material increase, and will likely accelerate as more patients and provinces get onboard.