- No regulatory list: each situation is assessed.
- All criteria must be met; otherwise, the pharmacist refers the patient.
- The examples in the Ordre’s guide are not exhaustive.
What are the criteria?
According to the Ordre’s summary, the pharmacist may prescribe with no prior diagnosis when these elements are met:
- the problem is frequent;
- it has typical signs or symptoms that are easy to assess;
- it improves with limited follow-up and time-limited treatment;
- the patient is at low risk of short-term deterioration;
- the problem is at low risk of harm.
Is there a list of eligible problems?
No. The Ordre’s guide gives non-exhaustive examples, such as herpes zoster, yeast vaginitis or uncomplicated urinary tract infection, but this is not a list. The same problem may be eligible for one person and not for another, depending on their condition and history.
Why might the pharmacist say no?
Because all the criteria must be met, and the pharmacist must also consider their own competence and what their setting allows, such as its resources and access to other services. If they refer you to another professional, that is the normal result of their assessment, not a refusal of service. They will also record the reasons for a decision not to prescribe.
What are the limits?
- No designated substance (narcotic, controlled drug, targeted substance) can be prescribed under this framework.
- The service will not necessarily be offered at every pharmacy on December 9.
- Follow-up may be planned after the prescription.
For pharmacists
The detailed conditions and limits are summarized on our page on what changes. The Ordre’s guide is authoritative.
Sources: OPQ, summary of what is new (in French) · OPQ, practice guide on professional activities (in French) · OPQ, practice guide on prescribing (in French)
General information based on the publications cited. This text does not replace professional or legal advice, or the Ordre’s guides.