Photo Karen Graham. Millbrook Pharmacist Steve Suszko can now prescribe medication for minor ailments after the change in legislation on Jan 1st.
As of January 1, 2023, Ontario pharmacists are authorized to prescribe medications for 13 minor ailments that include: allergic rhinitis (aka hay fever), oral thrush, dermatitis, cold sores, impetigo, insect bites including ticks, common urinary tract infections, musculoskeletal sprains and strains, among others.
Minor ailments are health conditions that can be managed with minimal treatment and/or self-care strategies, and lab results are not usually required. These conditions are usually short-term, have a low risk of treatment masking underlying conditions, and only require minimal or short-term follow-up. Additionally, the pharmacist’s assessment of the patient would help determine any medication or medical history red flags that could suggest a more serious condition. If, in their judgment, lab tests were required, the patient could be referred to a primary care provider. Primary care providers – usually family doctors – receive notifications of any prescribed medications from a pharmacist. If there is no primary care provider, the information remains accessible to the patient and will appear on the patient’s electronic health record. The service is free with an Ontario health card and is funded by the Ministry of Health. Regular fees for medications, including the dispensing fee, will be paid as they would be had they been prescribed by a physician or nurse practitioner.
Having the legislated authority to prescribe for minor ailments does not mean all pharmacists must offer or provide this service but fortunately for us, Millbrook Pharmacy’s Steve Suszko is ready to offer this service. Customers do not need an appointment but will be served at the dispensing counter on a first-come, first served basis.
For more information about this initiative, contact the College’s Pharmacy Practice team at 416-962-4861 ext. 3500 or pharmacypractice@ocpinfo.com. KG
