Crazy Canadians

Canadian Pharmacists granted prescribing rights

In what is seen as a very controversial move by the medical (and veterinary) community, Alberta, Canada has granted extended authority to pharmacists concerning the ability to prescribe medication. Basically what it means is that pharmacists there will have the ability to:
-authorize prescription renewals (as long as current lab work is available)
-dispense medications in an emergency situation
-give a short supply of medication to a patient with a known/long term condition until the patient can see a doctor
-adjust the dosage in cases where the pharmacist deems the dosage as inappropriate or not the option for the patient
-give therapeutic alternatives (generic medication, change the formulation)
-dispense stop smoking products
-dispense medication for common conditions such as sore throats or heartburn

I can see many problems with this new policy concerning its effects on the human medical field, but it also has implications for veterinarians as well, most notably the option to adjust dosages without doctor consent. Many of my colleagues have already run into problems with this, even in the United States.

There are certain human medications commonly used in pets, and the doses will vary according to species sensitivity. I always thought it would be common sense that different species of animals can react differently to medications, but apparently those in the medical field focused on humans don't always realize this. In fact, that is one of the reasons that animal poison control centers exist-animals don't always react the way humans do to many medications, and the centers have better knowledge concerning these differences than general practitioners, pharmacists, or human poison control centers.

Another implication these changes (freedoms) in pharmacists' responsibilities has on the medical field is that it may cause a delay in humans seeking advice of a physician for conditions that may need further diagnostics. This can complicate treatment for serious conditions and jeopardize the human's health.

The prescribing of medications, in the United States at least, is usually only allowable by physicans, nurse practioners, veterinarians, and other medical professionals with extensive medical training (dentists, chiropractors, etc). These people have the ability to DIAGNOSE conditions (something pharmacists are not allowed to do) and determine the most appropriate treatment. I don't think it's a good idea that pharmacists are allowed to bystep this process (even in temporary situations).

All in all, I don't think these changes are in the best interest for human or animal health.