Pharmacists Authorize Prescription Refills in Ontario

A new regulation passed in Ontario has some very interesting implications for the dispensing of prescription drugs. The regulation allows pharmacists to authorize prescription drug refills in certain circumstances.

The intent of the regulation is to prevent a delay in refilling prescriptions for patients on chronic medication. If the original prescriber is unavailable, the regulation allows the pharmacist to authorize a refill, in order to ensure continuity of care.

This regulation only applies to pharmacists practicing in accredited pharmacies, and requires all of the following criteria be met:

1. Reasonable efforts to contact the prescriber have been made and were unsuccessful;
2. The prescriber of the prescription to be refilled, if available, would likely have authorized the refill;
3. The patient for whom the drug is to be refilled has been prescribed the drug for a chronic or long term condition; AND
4. The patient for whom the drug is to be refilled has a stable history with that drug.

If the above conditions are met, pharmacists can authorize a refill; the refill must not exceed the amount previously dispensed, or 3 months supply of the drug.

For private insurance plans, remote dispensing pharmacy locations may offer a lower cost alternative in terms of dispensing fees and ingredient mark-ups. The new legislation could make it easier for these remote locations to service patients, which could ultimately help private plans control costs.

Click here to read more info on bill 58/11 from the Ontario College of Pharmacists.