REGINA – Proposed changes will allow Saskatchewan pharmacists to, among other things, administer shots.
Other changes to The Pharmacy Act will let some pharmacy technicians dispense drugs.
Health Minister Dustin Duncan introduced the amendments in the legislature on Thursday.
“All health care providers, including pharmacists, play an increasingly important role by working to their full scopes of practice on a collaborative team,” said Duncan.
“In the spirit of putting the patient first, I believe that expanding pharmacists’ scope of practice will give patients even greater and more timely access to health services.”
Starting later next year, pharmacists will be able to give vaccines and drugs, such as flu shots and vitamin B12 injections.
They will also be able to order, access and use lab tests working in collaboration with doctors.
The changes are welcomed by Saskatchewan College of Pharmacists.
“We agree with the minister that these changes will enhance patient access to health services,” stated Saskatchewan College of Pharmacists Registrar Ray Joubert.
“As a regulatory body, we will take steps to work collaboratively with our stakeholders to ensure appropriate standards and training are in place so that these services are delivered safely and properly co-ordinated within the health system. This will include ensuring that pharmacy technicians are appropriately qualified to assume responsibility for their important supportive role of the pharmacist.”
Under the changes, some pharmacy technicians will undertake additional training and assume a number of the pharmacist’s technical duties, such as dispensing.
The changes build on those introduced in 2011 when pharmacists were given the authority to prescribe medication for specific minor ailments and extend prescription refills.
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