The provincial government is expanding the scope of practice for pharmacists.
Under the new regulations, which are now in effect, pharmacists can now extend prescriptions to a maximum of 12 months, rather than the 90 days previously allowed.
However, any one extension cannot be for more than a 90-day supply.
Pharmacists can now prescribe four new ailments at no charge to residents with a valid MCP. Those are conjunctivitis, fungal nail infections, shingles (herpes zoster), and uncomplicated urinary tract infections.
As well, pharmacists can now prescribe, at no charge, five ailments that previously were only covered by the prescription drug plan. Those are gastro, nicotine dependence, herpes simplex, fungal skin infections, and hemorrhoids.
Two new categories of prescribing have been added including hormonal contraceptives and post-exposure prophylaxis.
President of the Pharmacists Association of Newfoundland and Labrador, Dr. Janice Audeau, says the changes are good news for pharmacists and patients. However, it will take time to get pharmacists up to speed and encourages people to call ahead to make sure the new services are provided.