Minor Ailments Expansion

In March 2023, the Ontario Minister of Health requested that the College draft proposed regulations that would enable pharmacists to prescribe for six additional minor ailments that were previously recommended by the College’s Minor Ailment Advisory Group (MAAG). These additional six minor ailments are:

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

The College’s Board of Directors approved submitting the proposed regulation changes for the additional six minor ailments at their March 2023 meeting. Based on the Minister’s request, the College is also re-engaging the MAAG and other relevant stakeholders to explore the addition of further minor ailments for which pharmacists could prescribe, including those that may require additional scope of practice expansion to support safe and effective prescribing. The College will prepare recommendations for Board consideration in the fall of 2023, prior to submission to the Minister.

Draft regulations to authorize pharmacists to administer certain substances by injection and/or inhalation for treatment purposes are pending government approval before coming into effect.

Print Page