Minor Ailments Expansion

On October 1, 2023, Part A pharmacists, registered pharmacy students and interns will be authorized to prescribe certain drugs for six additional minor ailments, adding to the list of 13 that came into effect at the beginning of 2023. The new minor ailments were approved by government as part of regulation changes to O.Reg. 202/94 (General) of the Pharmacy Act, 1991, and include:

• Acne (mild)
• Aphthous Ulcers (canker sores)
• Diaper dermatitis
• Vulvovaginal candidiasis (yeast infection)
• Pinworms and threadworms
• Nausea and vomiting of pregnancy

These minor ailments were previously recommended by the College’s Minor Ailments Advisory Group (MAAG) in June 2020 and approved by the Board of Directors along with the 13 that came into effect on January 1, 2023.

The College and its partners will continue to provide guidance and updated resources to help professionals confidently implement the new authority and meet their ethical responsibilities in providing safe patient care. Resources are posted on the Minor Ailments web page.