Transforming and Supporting Patient Care - Health Professions ...

354Chapter 14 – Profession of PharmacyBoth the OCP and the OPA maintain that the kinds of minor ailments underconsideration are the same ones for which pharmacists are currentlycounselling patients in their day-to-day practice. The OCP notes in itssubmission to HPRAC that none of the changes recommended are intendedto obligate an individual pharmacist to perform any activity he or she feelsis outside of their training or competence.Meeting New RequirementsThe OPA states that although prescribing for minor ailments is an entry-topracticecompetence, a review of the pertinent therapeutics should beavailable for those pharmacists who feel they would benefit. 31 For those actsthat are a progression of pharmacists’ current scope of practice, such asprescribing Schedule I products as part of a minor ailment protocol, theOPA believes that continuing education or, when necessary, certificationprograms will mitigate any perceived risk of harm. 32 For other aspects ofprescribing the OPA has indicated that pharmacists would need toundertake additional education to ensure that high standards areconsistently maintained, as patient safety is paramount. 33Before pharmacists can prescribe, new standards of practice will need to bedeveloped which take into account the different types of prescribing andthe accountabilities and liabilities associated with each. 34 Furthermore, theOPA proposes a mandatory orientation for all pharmacists willing topractice within an expanded scope to provide awareness of the new roles,responsibilities, and accountabilities associated with the ability toprescribe, while making certain that pharmacists only engage in thoseactivities they have the knowledge and skills to perform safely. 35The OCP has said that in a minor ailments program, the OCP wouldconsider three levels of competency, including entry level where allpharmacists are competent, a level where only certified pharmacists havecompetence, and a level where only Pharm D graduates have competence;protocols and standards of practice for each level would be developed incollaboration with physicians. 36What Other Jurisdictions Are DoingIn Quebec, pharmacists currently need a prescription or protocol to initiatetherapy for minor ailments. Saskatchewan and Manitoba are consideringchanges to allow pharmacists expanded authority under a minor ailmentsscheme.In Alberta, a clinical pharmacist is authorized to prescribe Schedule I drugand blood products if it is not reasonably possible for the patient to see ahealth professional to obtain the prescription and if there is an immediate31OPA Submission to the HPRAC Review of Non-Physician Prescribing and Administration of Drugs: 19.32Ibid. 10.33Ibid.19.34Ibid.18.35Ibid.16.36Pharmacy Meeting Notes: 8.HPRAC Critical Links January 2009