New legislation has granted Saskatchewan's pharmacists the ability to prescribe medications under certain conditions as of March 4.
The amended regulations, according to the Saskatchewan College of Pharmacists, are designed to improve collaboration between doctors and pharmacists rather than remove the role of physicians in prescribing drugs.
Pharmacists can now prescribe medications (excluding controlled substances) in situations that include emergencies, incomplete prescriptions, continuing maintenance therapy, absent physicians, and minor ailment self-care.
Patients will be able have their pharmacist renew a prescription, for example, when they are unable to see their doctor. Pharmacists can also fill in missing details on incomplete prescriptions issued by physicians. In such cases, the pharmacist will notify the doctor afterward."I think it will be a positive thing for everyone: for patients, for pharmacists, for physicians, and for the healthcare system in general," says Curtis Loucks, a Yorkton pharmacist.
Loucks acknowledges that his profession's newly expanded role comes with new pressures and an increased workload, but he believes the tradeoff will be worthwhile.
"Ultimately, it's about improving access to medication."
