TORONTO - The Ontario Pharmacists' Association (OPA) is pleased that the Ontario government has recognized the value of pharmacists by proposing legislation that would expand their scope of practice.

"This legislation would bring Ontario one step closer to using pharmacists to the best of their abilities," said Dennis Darby, OPA's chief executive officer. "It acknowledges their vital role as healthcare professionals, with increased responsibility and accountability for the safe and effective use of medications by patients."

"Enabling pharmacists to practice in an enhanced, collaborative role would improve patient care, reduce wait times, and increase the efficiency of Ontario's healthcare system."

If passed, the legislation would allow pharmacists to administer drugs by injection or inhalation, for patient education and demonstration; prescribe drugs for smoking cessation; extend, adapt or adjust prescriptions; pierce or lance the skin, for patient education and demonstration; and order laboratory tests for the purpose of medication monitoring and management. Pharmacists would be included among all other regulated health professions in the definition of "health practitioner." They would also have a new scope of practice statement that includes the promotion of health, and the prevention and treatment of disease, disorders and dysfunctions through monitoring and management of medication therapy.

"Pharmacists have a unique expertise in medication management," said Tina Perlman, OPA's Chair of the Board.

"An expanded scope of practice would make it much easier for them to help monitor and manage chronic diseases such as diabetes and asthma, and provide patients with the care they need, when they need it. It will help improve patient health, relieve pressure on other healthcare professionals and ease the burden on emergency departments."

"As scopes of practice continue to evolve, OPA will demonstrate the value that pharmacists could bring to Ontario's healthcare system by doing even more for their patients," Perlman said. "By enabling healthcare professionals to work closely together at their highest possible level, both patients and the healthcare system will benefit."

The Ontario Pharmacists' Association is the professional association that represents the views and interest of more than 11,000 pharmacists and pharmacists-in-training across the province. The Association works to inspire excellence in the profession and practice of pharmacy, and to promote wellness in patients.