The Ontario College of Pharmacists is consulting on proposed regulatory amendments that would, if enacted, expand scope of practice to allow pharmacy professionals to do the following:
- Administer the flu vaccine to children as young as two years old;
- Renew prescriptions in quantities of up to a 12-month supply;
- Administer certain substances by injection and/or inhalation for purposes that are in addition to patient education and demonstration;
- Perform point of care tests once additional regulatory amendments are made by the Ministry of Health.
The public consultation is open for 60 days, from August 26 until October 26. We encourage all pharmacy professionals, patients and members of the public to provide their feedback on these important changes. More information and resources, including frequently asked questions, can be found on the consultation webpage.
The proposed regulatory amendments were drafted at the direction of the provincial government and must be submitted to the Ministry of Health for consideration by November 30. The College will consider all feedback received during the consultation period and submit the final regulatory amendments to Council at a special meeting on November 21 for approval.
The College will provide further updates here and in e-Connect.