Transforming and Supporting Patient Care - Health Professions ...

356Chapter 14 – Profession of PharmacyHPRAC’s ConclusionsHPRAC understands that pharmacists currently holding a Pharm D haveextensive knowledge and very specialized skill sets. It is not yet clearwhether this same level of skill set will be acquired by graduates from thenew Pharm D programs. HPRAC has therefore concluded that this issueneeds further consideration and examination, and is outside the scope ofthis review.Recommendations1: Medication Therapy ManagementThat pharmacists be authorized to prescribe Schedule I, II or III drugs,blood products and oxygen for the purpose of medication therapymanagement, in accordance with the standards of practice of the OCP.That regulations under the Pharmacy Act, 1991 designate therapeuticclasses of drugs.That pharmacists be expected to limit prescribing to situations where theyhave an adequate understanding of the condition being treated, the drugbeing prescribed and adequate knowledge about the specific patient.2: Minor Ailments ProgramHPRAC recommended in the scope of practice review of pharmacy thatsteps be taken towards the introduction of a minor ailments program inOntario. To that end:• That the OCP and the OPA, in collaboration with the Ontario MedicalAssociation, the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario, theCollege of Nurses of Ontario, the Registered Nurses’ Association ofOntario, the Nurse Practitioners’ Association of Ontario, other healthprofessions, facilities, educators and Ministry representatives developthe details of a program that would be suitable in Ontario, including:the list of minor ailments that pharmacists could treat; an agreedformulary including Schedule I, II and III drugs; protocols for referralto and communication with other health professionals, obtainingpatient consent, and record-keeping; options for reimbursement forprofessional services; and educational and competency requirementsand quality assurance, among other matters. The working groupshould also outline an implementation plan, including any pilotprojects that might be required, along with communications elementsto advise patients of the program.• That the OCP develop standards of practice, through aninterprofessional standards committee, for a minor ailments program.HPRAC has concluded that it is premature to develop a minor ailmentsprotocol at this time, and recommends that this issue be referred to theminor ailments working group.HPRAC Critical Links January 2009