ALBERTA PHARMACISTS EARN RIGHT TO PRESCRIBE DRUGS

EDMONTON - Pharmacists in Alberta will be allowed to prescribe some
drugs under new health regulations adopted by the provincial government.

Until now, pharmacists filled prescriptions written by doctors but
weren't allowed to write their own.

However, a new regulation approved by the Alberta cabinet will allow
pharmacists to prescribe some drug treatments, continue prescriptions
made by other health practitioners and administer injection drug
treatments, such as vaccines. The regulations take effect later this year.

Health Minister Iris Evans said the change will provide patients
better access to drug treatments, particularly basic drugs or in
instances where prescriptions need to be extended.

"This is a significant change to our health system that benefits
Albertans by providing more options in how they get their
prescriptions," she said.

Pharmacists will be able to prescribe drugs in areas where they have
had extra training but won't be allowed to prescribe narcotics,
barbiturates or anabolic steroids.

The changes, contained in the Pharmacists Profession Regulation, were
long sought by the Alberta College of Pharmicists. However, they have
been opposed by doctors. The College of Physicians and Surgeons of
Alberta voted last fall against allowing pharmacists to write prescriptions.

Pharmacists spent three years lobbying doctors in an unsuccessful
attempt to gain support for prescribing drugs.

Doctors argued prescribing drugs involves a number of complicated
steps including examining the patient, knowing the patient's medical
history and coming up with a diagnosis.

The College of Physicians agreed to allow pharmacists to adjust
dosages of prescription drugs without consulting a doctor. It also
endorsed collaborative prescribing, with pharmacists working as part
of a team that includes a physician.

But it rejected the idea of allowing pharmacists to administer drugs
by injection.

Manitoba is taking steps in a similar direction, while in other
provinces, pharmacists can dispense emergency contraceptives.