Docs and pharmacists battle over right to prescribe medication
The Canadian Medical Association (CMA) is fighting steps made by pharmacists to gain the right to prescribe drugs and to modify dosages.
"Prescribing by pharmacists is not something that puts the safety and interest of the patient first," said Dr. Dana Hanson of the CMA.
"We do not feel that pharmacists have the training or expertise to do that."
Quebec recently altered legislation to give the province's pharmacists the right to modify the levels and types of drugs originally prescribed by physicians.
"This gives better service to the public," said Pierre Ducharmed, registrar of the Order of Pharmacists of Quebec.
British Columbia followed suit and now the province's pharmacists group is asking for the right to get involved in more medications, especially for patients with chronic disease.
"We question whether...it is necessary to have an office visit to a doctor to write a refill prescription for a chronic (condition) where the dosage hasn't changed for a long period of time," said Ken Foreman of the B.C. Pharmacy Association.
More training in drug therapy
Pharmacists in almost all the provinces have submitted proposals to give them more authority in managing medications.
They argue they have more training in drug therapy than other health professionals, including doctors.
Many pharmacists' associations say expanding responsibilities for their members would ease some of the bottlenecks in an overburdened healthcare system.
"Convenience to patients is another reason for change," says Jeff Poston of the Canadian Pharmacists Association.
Dr. Steve Chambers, president of the Alberta Medical Association, says increasing authority for pharmacists may confuse patients.
"Who are (they) supposed to contact to access the healthcare system their doctor, their pharmacists or their nurse practitioner?" asks Chambers.
He also points out many pharmacists own the stores they work in, which puts them in an ethical conflict.
"If I'm the one selling the drugs and I have a choice of a $10 prescription and a $50 prescription, I'd hate to think it would colour my judgement."