Pharmacists applaud prescription renewal initiative in throne speech
Vancouver, BC (February 12, 2008) – The British Columbia Pharmacy Association is pleased that the provincial government’s throne speech committed to broadening the scope of practice for pharmacists.
The throne speech established that pharmacists will be granted the authority to authorize routine prescription renewals.
Pharmacists are the health-care team’s medication experts. Looking to better utilize their broad knowledge base and skill set is an important step towards making the most of the system’s existing resources.
“We support the government’s focus on access, quality and choice for patients and believe this new commitment addresses all three of those criteria” said Marnie Mitchell, CEO of the BC Pharmacy Association. “This new authority, when granted, should present patients with a new option for renewing their prescriptions, which they will be able to do through the health-care team’s most accessible expert – their pharmacist,” she said.
The association looks forward to collaborating with the provincial government to work out the details of implementing this new authority successfully, as part of pharmacy practice in B.C. pharmacies. We believe this commitment is an important step towards ensuring a sustainable B.C. health care system that takes full advantage of existing resources and expertise.