Health and Community Services
September 22, 2015

Strengthening the Health and Well-Being of Residents

Pharmacists Begin Prescribing for Minor Ailments

New regulations under the Pharmacy Act, 2012 allow pharmacists in Newfoundland and Labrador to prescribe and treat a number of minor ailments, such as nausea, cold sores, hemorrhoids and eczema. The announcement was made today by the Honourable Steve Kent, Deputy Premier and Minister of Health and Community Services, who was joined by members of the Newfoundland and Labrador Pharmacy Board, the Pharmacists' Association of Newfoundland and Labrador, and other community stakeholders.

"Our government continues to increase access to health services and pursue efficiencies in the health care system overall. Last year, we enabled pharmacists to administer medication via injection, and now we are enabling them to treat minor ailments. By continuing to expand pharmacists' scope of practice, we are making the most of their valuable skills and ultimately improving patient access to quality health care."
- The Honourable Steve Kent, Deputy Premier and Minister of Health and Community Services

Under the new regulations, pharmacists who receive authorization from the Newfoundland and Labrador Pharmacy Board will be able to prescribe certain medications to treat specific conditions that are listed in the regulations. For additional information on minor ailments and those covered by the new regulations, please see the backgrounder below.

The regulations also allow pharmacists to substitute a prescribed medication with a different drug of an equivalent therapeutic effect and to prescribe over-the-counter products, such as vitamins and diabetic supplies.

"The signing of these regulations is a significant step in recognizing the abilities of pharmacists to improve health care delivery in the province. Pharmacists' prescribing is supported by the Boards Standards of Practice and Code of Ethics ensuring quality care and the safety and wellbeing of the public."
- Margot Priddle, Registrar, Newfoundland and Labrador Pharmacy Board

In developing the new regulations, the Newfoundland and Labrador Pharmacy Board worked closely with the Provincial Government. In addition, consultations were undertaken with the College of Physicians and Surgeons, the Newfoundland and Labrador Medical Association, the Association of Registered Nurses of Newfoundland and Labrador and the pharmacy community.

"The work of the Pharmacists' Association of Newfoundland and Labrador is anchored in our advocacy for the advancement of the pharmacy profession through the full use of pharmacists' expertise, knowledge and training within the health care system. The result is enhanced access to quality health services for the people of Newfoundland and Labrador. The ability for pharmacists to prescribe for minor ailments is a significant achievement and was a recommendation we presented to government in our report The Pharmacist Option: Leveraging Newfoundland and Labrador's Pharmacists for Cost-Effective Health Care Delivery."
- Richard Coombs, Past President, Pharmacists' Association of Newfoundland and Labrador

The Provincial Government is committed to expanding the scope of practice for pharmacists in Newfoundland and Labrador.

QUICK FACTS:

  • New regulations under the Pharmacy Act, 2012 allow pharmacists in Newfoundland and Labrador to prescribe treatment for a number of minor ailments.
  • Under the new regulations, pharmacists are able to prescribe certain medications to treat specific conditions; substitute a prescribed drug with a different medication of an equivalent therapeutic effect; and prescribe over-the-counter medications, such as vitamins and diabetic supplies.
  • The Provincial Government is committed to expanding the scope of practice for pharmacists in Newfoundland and Labrador.

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Media contacts:

Tina Williams
Director of Communications
Department of Health and Community Services
709-729-1377, 728-2837
tinawilliams@gov.nl.ca 		Margot Priddle
Registrar
Newfoundland and Labrador Pharmacy Board
709-753-5877
inforx@nlpb.ca
Glenda Power
Executive Director
Pharmacists' Association of Newfoundland and Labrador
709-753-7881 ext. 203
gpower@panl.net

BACKGROUNDER
Information on Minor Ailments

Definition of minor ailments

Minor ailments generally refer to common or uncomplicated health conditions that can be managed with minimal treatment and/or self-care strategies.

List of minor ailments for which pharmacists can prescribe.

  • Acne (mild)
  • Allergic Rhinitis
  • Atopic Dermatitis (mild-moderate)
  • Callouses and Corns
  • Cold Sore
  • Contact Dermatitis
  • Dandruff
  • Diarrhea (Non-Infectious)
  • Dysmenorrhea
  • Dyspepsia
  • Emergency Contraception
  • Fungal Infections of the Skin
  • Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease
  • Headache (mild)
  • Hemorrhoids
  • Impetigo
  • Joint Pain (mild)
  • Muscle Pain (mild)
  • Nausea
  • Oral Fungal Infection
  • Oral Ulceration
  • Pinworms
  • Sleep Disorders (mild)
  • Smoking Cessation
  • Upper Respiratory Conditions (mild: cough, nasal congestion, sore throat)
  • Urticaria (mild: including bites and stings)
  • Vaginal Candidiasis
  • Warts (excluding facial and genital)
  • Xerophthalmia

2015 09 22                              11:20 a.m.