Health Canada exemption has been beneficial in N.S., says College of Pharmacists CEO
The recent Health Canada exemption allowing pharmacists to extend and renew prescriptions has had a positive impact on Nova Scotia’s health-care system, according to Beverley Zwicker, CEO of the Nova Scotia College of Pharmacists. This exemption, which is in effect until 2026, has relieved some of the burden on doctors and nurse practitioners by giving pharmacists the authority to prescribe a wider range of drugs.
Zwicker emphasized the importance of utilizing pharmacists’ six years of training as healthcare professionals to improve patient care. The exemption allows pharmacists to extend and renew prescriptions, transfer prescriptions, verbally prescribe medications containing controlled substances, and deliver medications to patients’ homes. These expanded responsibilities have been particularly beneficial during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Controlled substances such as benzodiazepines for anxiety and depression, as well as medication for opioid use disorders like methadone and buprenorphine, are now more accessible to patients through pharmacists. Zwicker has urged the federal government to make the exemption permanent in Nova Scotia, citing the positive impact it has had on patient care.
A recent study, partially funded by the College of Pharmacists, showed an increase in the number of prescriptions dispensed in Nova Scotia since the exemption came into effect. The study also found an increase in opioid therapies being prescribed, particularly in rural areas where patients no longer have to travel to urban centers for their medication needs.
Abhimanyu Sud, a Toronto physician, stressed the importance of greater access to opioid therapies for harm reduction. He highlighted the need for evidence-based care to address the opioid crisis in Canada. Zwicker, who also chairs the National Association of Pharmacy Regulatory Authorities, expressed the association’s support for the exemption and plans to meet with federal health officials to advocate for its continuation.
In response to stakeholder feedback, Health Canada has stated that all viewpoints will be considered in its review of the exemption. The goal is to ensure that patients have access to the medications they need while alleviating pressure on healthcare providers. The collaboration between pharmacists, healthcare professionals, and government agencies is crucial in improving patient outcomes and overall healthcare delivery in Nova Scotia.
