Alta. pharmacists want prescribing privileges

I'm glad that I'm in the group of 30 to 40 Alberta pharmacists that are applying for advanced prescribing. I mailed in my application yesterday. It's still not clear when the applications will be approved, but it won't be until more steps in the process are completed in late September. Watch this blog for more updates.

From the Saskatoon Star Phoenix:
A handful of Alberta pharmacists will make Canadian history -- and likely stir a fresh round of debate about their new role -- when they apply for controversial prescribing privileges early next month.

Between 30 and 40 pharmacists in the province will undergo an assessment in the coming weeks to ensure they are qualified to write new prescriptions, adjust dosages and change drug therapies.

"This group of pharmacists will have a larger tool box, a broader spectrum of drugs for the conditions they are already treating," says Greg Eberhart, registrar of the Alberta College of Pharmacists. ...more