Updated regulations in Ontario allow pharmacists to prescribe more medications
Since January 2023, pharmacists across Ontario have been prescribing medications for 13 minor ailments. Nardine Nakhla, pharmacist and professor at the University of Waterloo, was a member of the advisory group that drafted regulations enabling this expansion in scope. Nakhla provides an update on the changing minor ailments landscape in Ontario.
How have the new regulations affected our health-care system, pharmacists and patients since minor ailments took effect this past January?
According to the Ministry of Health data, 302,503 minor ailment assessments were performed from January 1 through June 30, 2023, resulting in 255,625 prescriptions. Eighty-seven percent (4,233) of all Ontario community pharmacies participated in prescribing for minor ailments, with at least one pharmacy in every Public Health Unit. The most assessed ailments were urinary tract infections, conjunctivitis, herpes labialis, allergic rhinitis, and dermatitis.
What new conditions will pharmacists be able to prescribe for?
What medications will pharmacists be able to prescribe?
The Ontario College of Pharmacists has created a list of specific drugs that pharmacists may prescribe for each ailment. This complements the preview of the drug classes and specified drugs as they will appear under the amended regulations.
How will this further expand the scope of practice for pharmacists?
This expansion of prescriptive powers for pharmacists represents a significant step forward in enhancing access to patient care in the community by leveraging the knowledge and expertise of pharmacists. That means quality care sooner and closer to home by the most accessible healthcare providers with a reduced demand on hospitals, emergency departments, walk-in clinics, and family physicians.
What’s next for minor ailments?
At the Ontario College of Pharmacists’ September 19 meeting, the Board of Directors approved a list of minor ailments that were recommended by the Scope of Practice Advisory Group (SPAG) following a request for the Minister of Health to explore the addition of further conditions. This list will be sent to the Minister of Health for consideration later this fall, prior to the development of draft regulations, on the understanding that some ailments may be subject to conditions or restrictions to be determined. The list includes:
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