- Current regulations do not require communication, but the Ordre asks pharmacists to send information useful to future decisions.
- The indication on the prescription concretely helps the pharmacist.
- A consultation request or an EPAP remains possible for anything beyond the pharmacist’s autonomy.
What can the pharmacist do without reaching you?
In their judgment, they may notably extend a prescription, adjust or stop therapy, and prescribe for a chronic disease diagnosed by an authorized professional if the patient’s condition is at low risk of short-term deterioration. The full summary sets out the conditions.
Will you be informed?
Current regulations do not require communication, but the Ordre asks the pharmacist to send any information that may influence your future clinical decisions. It helps to agree with pharmacies in your area on what you would like to receive, and how.
What to put on the prescription
The presentation by the Réseau québécois des pharmaciens GMF, developed with the Ordre, suggests adding the indication to each prescription and specifying what is relevant:
- comorbidities and therapeutic targets;
- the professional responsible for follow-up;
- the date of the next appointment, if known.
It also suggests checking the Québec Health Record (DSQ) before re-prescribing, as it may show recent additions or adjustments made by other professionals.
Consultation or EPAP?
A consultation request concerns a specific patient, may be made verbally or in writing, and the pharmacist replies in writing. An advanced partnership practice agreement (EPAP) lets the pharmacist prescribe for a group of patients when they could not do so independently. It is signed between physicians or nurse practitioners and pharmacists who share the same patients and files.
Will the services be offered everywhere?
No, not on day one. It helps to ask nearby pharmacies what they will and will not offer, so you can direct your patients accordingly. See also our page for physicians and NPs.
Sources: OPQ, summary of what is new (in French) · OPQ, practice guide on professional activities (in French) · OPQ, Prepare for the expansion, October 16, 2026 (in French) · OPQ, December 9: a gradual change, October 5, 2026 (in French)
General information based on the publications cited. This text does not replace professional or legal advice, or the Ordre’s guides.