Jones calls for legislative changes to strengthen
pharmacy services
Many provinces have made legislative changes that
strengthen the role of pharmacists and their service to patients and
similar changes should be made in this province, says Opposition Leader
Yvonne Jones.
Other provinces allow pharmacists to manage
medications without actually writing prescriptions often referred to as
continuous care. This includes
the ability to cover situations like providing a few pills to a patient
until they can get a prescription filled by a doctor.
The current auditing process in this province does not allow for
this professional discretion.
“Pharmacists are asking for some discretion in
helping cover patients’ drug needs in certain circumstances,” said Ms.
Jones. “Currently, pharmacists have to pay significant penalties should
the auditing process determine that a prescription order was broken. This
is one of the few places in the country that does not allow pharmacists to
exercise professional discretion and this situation should be fixed
through legislation.”
Jones also noted concerns that have been raised
regarding proposed changes to the generic drug formula that could lead to
a loss of revenue to pharmacists and cost-savings for government.
“Pharmacists have advised that changes to the generic
drug formula could impact local pharmacies and lead to a reduction of
value-added services. Changes could also result in the closure of rural
pharmacies, the reduction of staff or an increase in the cost of a
dispensing fee for patients. Before any changes are made, government must
consult with the pharmacy association to address these concerns. Any
unilateral changes could have drastic impacts on communities and patients
throughout the province.”
