Expanded Scope of Practice

In recent years, the provincial government has approved regulations that expand the scope of practice for pharmacists and pharmacy technicians in Ontario to ensure patients have enhanced access to safe, quality healthcare.

jump to Jump To:

Print Page

As of December 11, 2020, pharmacists have the authority to:

  • Administer the flu vaccine to children as young as two years old
  • Renew prescriptions in quantities of up to one year’s supply

This expands pharmacists’ authority from administering the flu vaccine to children as young as five and renewing prescriptions in quantities of up to six month’s supply.

As of July 1, 2022, pharmacy professionals have the authority to:

  • Perform certain point of care tests (POCT) for chronic conditions to assist with medication management and treatment of patients (also required enabling regulations to be made under the Laboratory and Specimen Collection Centre Act)

This expands the authority of pharmacy professionals to perform the act of piercing the dermis to obtain blood with a lancing device, solely for the purposes of patient education and demonstration.

Existing guidelines have been revised to incorporate these changes to practice and support registrants in utilizing their expanded roles:

As of January 1, 2023, pharmacists have the authority to:

  • Prescribe drugs for certain minor ailments

Learn more about minor ailments

Information for Patients

Patients are encouraged to speak to their pharmacist to out what healthcare services they offer and whether they are right for their needs. Having the legislated authority to prescribe for minor ailments does not mean all pharmacists must offer or provide this service.