CSHP BC Branch – Position Statement on Expanded Scope for Pharmacists
The Canadian Society of Hospital Pharmacists British Columbia Branch (CSHP BC) joins with the rest of the pharmacist community of BC in sharing in the excitement that has been generated since Minister of Health, Adrian Dix, announced the expansion of pharmacy services and changes in the scope of practice for BC pharmacists on September 29, 2022.
As of October 14, pharmacists in BC are able to administer more vaccines, and renew prescriptions for patients. By next spring, they will also be able to prescribe drugs for minor ailments like urinary tract infections, indigestion, and contraception.
The expansion of pharmacy services announced by Minister Dix positions pharmacists to optimally utilize their skills and education as medication experts to better support communities in BC. Many of our patients have lost their family doctors over the past few years and have struggled to maintain their connection with community primary care, putting an increased burden on acute care resources. With expanded scope, community pharmacists are now being given the ability to better support these patients in their healthcare journey.
While the conversation has been focused on community prescribing, CSHP BC Branch is eager to continue engaging with the Ministry, key stakeholders, and our members in order to best advocate for hospital pharmacists’ scope of practice. In this way, we hope to better position our members to serve their communities by improving patients’ access to treatment, reducing wait times and offloading strain on the healthcare system in BC (CSHP BC Branch)
For more information on the expansion of pharmacy services and changes in the scope of practice for pharmacists in B.C., visit the links below:
CPhA chart: https://www.pharmacists.ca/advocacy/scope-of-practice
CSHP National Position Statement on Pharmacist Prescribing (2009)
View Full Statement HERE
