Bill 41 bringing changes for Quebec pharmacists

Quebec pharmacists will soon have more power. Under Bill 41, pharmacists will be allowed to renew prescriptions, treat certain minor conditions and analyze lab tests; tasks that have traditionally been performed by doctors.

Bill 41 was adopted and sanctioned under the previous Liberal government, in December 2011. The objective was to free up Quebec’s clinics and emergency rooms. The new PQ Health Minister, Réjean Hébert, says the law is entering a new stage. Regulations have now been published in the province’s official gazette, meaning there will be 45 days of additional public consultation before a government decree is passed. Bill 41 is expected to come into effect this summer.

Pharmacists will be asked to offer front-line services, such as administering medication, writing prescriptions when no diagnosis is required, renewing prescriptions and analyzing laboratory data.

“It’s a long process,” explains Diane Lamarre, President of the Quebec Order of Pharmacists. Discussions with the Collège des médecins took some time. Together, the two professional orders had to define “minor ailments” and work on guidelines for pharmacists writing prescriptions. Lamarre says the consequences of writing “bad” prescriptions can be deadly.

Quebec City pharmacist Marie Martel says her clients are constantly asking her about Bill 41. 

“Their expectations are huge,” she says. “Everyone is waiting for this. It will have a direct impact on people’s lives.” 

Martel relates most people ask her when she’ll be able to renew their prescriptions.

Pharmacists will receive training before they can perform extra tasks. 

“Everyone will benefit,” says Martel. “Especially young families and the elderly.”

While pharmacists say they have no intention of replacing doctors, they are willing to do as much as the law will allow to help alleviate the problem of over-crowding in Quebec hospitals.