If I decide to advise a patient to seek treatment from another health professional rather than prescribe for the patient myself, do I still need to document and if so, what do I need to document?

According to Standard 14 of the HPA Bylaws Schedule F Part 8 – Making a Diagnosis and Prescribing Standards, Limits and Conditions:

“A pharmacist who prescribes a drug for a patient must document…”

As stated, the documentation requirements only apply when a pharmacist prescribes a drug. However, the Ministry of Health may have its own PharmaCare policies regarding documentation when a patient assessment does not lead to a prescription being issued. Review of the Ministry of Health’s Pharmacare Policy Guide is recommended.