Having the legislated authority to prescribe for minor ailments does not mean all pharmacists will offer or provide this service. Patients are encouraged to speak to their pharmacist to find out what healthcare services they offer and whether they are right for their needs.
The decision to incorporate prescribing for minor ailments into pharmacist practice, and to what extent, is based on the pharmacist’s clinical knowledge, skills, and judgment as well as the suitability of the practice environment, current circumstances, capacity, and comfort level. The decision to prescribe is at the discretion of the individual pharmacist, subject to the Code of Ethics.
Portions of the Code of Ethics that are especially relevant include:
- Section 1(b): “Registrants practice only within the scope of their education, training and competence”; and
- Section 1(g)(ii): “Registrants must provide pharmacy services requested by patients and may only refuse to provide these services for the following reasons: … the registrant does not possess the knowledge, skills and abilities to provide the service or product …”.
A pharmacist must complete the regulatory education requirement and self-declare completion in eServices prior to making a diagnosis or prescribing for a patient. A pharmacist who does not meet those requirements is not authorized to provide PPMAC services as they would not be practicing within the scope of their education, training and competence.
Additionally, a pharmacist who meets those requirements and decides to prescribe for minor ailments and contraception is not obligated to prescribe in every case. As with other health professionals, pharmacists will use their professional judgement to determine if they have the competency and confidence to prescribe in the best interest of the patient in each case.