Pharmacists in Quebec, Canada want more power over prescribing medication to patients

The Quebec Order of Pharmacists is asking for the provincial government to introduce a new legislation which would give pharmacists the power to make changes to a patient’s prescriptions instead of sending them back to the doctor.

Approximately two million people in Quebec do not have a family physician, thus are finding it very difficult to not only be prescribed with medication, but receive a proper diagnosis as well.

The proposed changes will allow pharmacists in Quebec to:

• Change a prescription when necessary based on the patient’s weight and/or allergies
• Renew and/or extend prescriptions based on specific patient criteria
• Write prescriptions for “simple” health problems like allergies or cold sores
• Order certain lab tests
• Educate patients on how to administer certain medications, such as asthma inhalers

Are doctors too busy to properly treat patients?

Diane Lamarre, the president of the Quebec Order of Pharmacists, has publicly stated that doctors are too overworked to treat patients in a timely fashion, and as of right now the average wait time in Quebec’s emergency rooms could take as long as 17 hours.

In a 2010 survey it was discovered that 92% of participants believed that pharmacists should be allowed to renew or “temporarily extend” a patient’s prescription, while 91% stated that they trust pharmacists to deal with their health and medical problems.

But pharmacists who are behind this proposal say it isn’t so much about overpowering the role of a doctor, but ultimately to help ease overcrowding in hospitals, clinics, and doctor’s offices.  (Some other provinces in Canada already allow pharmacists to refill prescriptions, prescribe certain drugs, an administer vaccines as well).  

Bio: Alexis Bonari is currently a resident blogger at College Scholarships, where recently she’s been researching grants for Hispanic students as well as grants for students with disabilities. Whenever this WAHM gets some free time she enjoys doing yoga, cooking with the freshest organic in-season fare, and practicing the art of coupon clipping.