2024-11-08 20:16:00
Bill 67, which intends to give more powers to pharmacists in order to facilitate access to care, was adopted this week and while certain measures are already in place, others will take a little more time before being implemented. authorized.
• Also read: Nail fungus: “Talk to your pharmacist,” suggests a general practitioner
• Also read: “We see that it meets a need”: Pharmaprix extends its pilot project of clinics like at the doctor’s office
With this initiative, pharmacists can extend prescriptions, prescribe, administer and substitute medications.
“This is good news for pharmacists and especially for the Quebec population, it will allow them to have more access,” underlined Jean-François Desgagné, president of the Order of Pharmacists of Quebec.
“I have to put just one caveat, we still have a lot of regulatory work to do before all this lands in pharmacies,” he however qualified in an interview with LCN on Friday.
Éric Yvan Lemay / JdeM
If pharmacists can already prescribe for certain situations, such as shingles for example, they remain limited by certain lists of conditions. The bill should therefore end up “eliminating a lot of administrative constraints”.
“There will be many other things that will solve many problems and will save visits to the emergency room, I assure you,” said Mr. Desgagné.
Regarding follow-up with other health professionals, the president of the Order of Pharmacists assured that work is underway.
“We have made a lot of representations and we have work in progress, precisely to try to work on the organization of work to allow people to be able to follow their care pathway and not fall back to the bottom of the pyramid,” said he indicated.
To watch the full interview, click on the video above.
1731149837
#powers #pharmacists #bill #passed #work
**Interview with Dr. Laura Bennett, Pharmacist Advocate**
**Host:** Welcome, Dr. Bennett! Thank you for joining us today to discuss the recent adoption of Bill 67, which empowers pharmacists significantly. What does this legislation mean for pharmacists and patients alike?
**Dr. Bennett:** Thank you for having me! Bill 67 is indeed a landmark piece of legislation. It allows pharmacists to not only dispense medications but also to extend prescriptions, prescribe certain medications, administer vaccines, and substitute medications when necessary. This gives pharmacists a more active role in patient care, enhancing access to essential health services.
**Host:** That’s impressive! Can you elaborate on how this will improve patient access to care?
**Dr. Bennett:** Absolutely. By enabling pharmacists to extend prescriptions and prescribe medications, patients will have greater access to healthcare, particularly in underserved areas. This means that for chronic conditions, for example, a patient can get their medication renewed without the need for a separate doctor’s visit, which can save time and reduce barriers to access. It streamlines the process and creates more opportunities for patient-pharmacist consultations.
**Host:** Are there any potential challenges to implementing these changes?
**Dr. Bennett:** While the overall response has been positive, there will inevitably be challenges. Training will be crucial to ensure that pharmacists are adequately prepared to handle these new responsibilities. Additionally, there may be some initial resistance from other healthcare providers who might feel their role is being encroached upon. Communication and collaboration among all healthcare professionals will be key to ensuring smooth implementation.
**Host:** Speaking of collaboration, how can pharmacists and physicians work together effectively under this new act?
**Dr. Bennett:** It’s essential for pharmacists and physicians to maintain an open line of communication regarding patient care. Establishing collaborative practice agreements can facilitate this process, allowing pharmacists to share patient information with physicians and vice versa. This teamwork ensures that patients receive comprehensive care and helps avoid any potential medication-related issues.
**Host:** Thank you for sharing your insights, Dr. Bennett. As this bill rolls out, how can patients best take advantage of these new opportunities?
**Dr. Bennett:** Patients should feel empowered to consult their pharmacists about their medications and health concerns. They can ask about prescription renewals, new medications, or even vaccine availability. It’s a great time for patients to engage more actively in their healthcare, leveraging the expertise of their local pharmacists.
**Host:** Excellent advice! Thank you again for your time, Dr. Bennett. We look forward to seeing how Bill 67 positively impacts healthcare in our communities.
**Dr. Bennett:** Thank you for having me! I’m excited about the future of pharmacy practice and the broader access to care it promises.
