New legislation that expands pharmacist role in Alberta, Canada…

On April 1, 2007, the Pharmacists Profession Regulation to the Health Professions act came into effect. This regulation authorized a new scope of practice for Alberta pharmacists.
Under this new regulation, Alberta pharmacists are authorized to,
• Prescribe a small amount of drug to treat the symptoms in an emergency when patient has an immediate need for drug therapy and can not see another authorized prescriber. However, they are not authorized to prescribe narcotics or controlled drugs.
• Adapt a prescription- alter the dose, formulation, or regimen and then notify the original prescriber.

Pharmacists who successfully complete evaluation recognized by Alberta College of Pharmacists council will be given an additional prescribing authorization. Overall goal is to offer better drug therapy and greater access to health care for patients. Alberta pharmacists use their professional judgment to decide how and when to use these new opportunities during their practice.
Hope this expanding role of pharmacists will benefit Albertans by having more health care providers available to provide a greater variety of services.