No family doctor: what can your pharmacist do?

Can the pharmacist take my situation into account?

Yes. The prescribing guide gives this example: for a person with no family doctor, prescribing a drug in the short term may bring more benefit than referring them to a medical clinic. It is a case-by-case assessment, not a right to a prescription.

What can they do if I have no family doctor?

Based on their judgment, and if the conditions are met, they may notably:

• prescribe for a common health problem, with no prior diagnosis;
• extend an expired prescription if treatment should not be interrupted;
• prescribe for prevention;
• order and interpret certain tests.

What can they not do?

They cannot prescribe a designated substance (narcotic, controlled drug, targeted substance) in these situations. To treat a chronic disease, it must already have been diagnosed by an authorized professional, such as a physician or nurse practitioner. If a problem seems chronic but has never been diagnosed, or if a red flag is present, they should refer you to another professional.

Where can they refer me?

The guide asks them to know the resources in their area, so they can direct patients with no family doctor or no professional responsible for their follow-up to the right place. It cites sites such as 211qc.ca for local services.

How to prepare

• Keep your list of medications and allergies up to date.
• Choose the pharmacy that has your file when you can.
• Call before you go, and ask whether the service is offered and whether fees apply.

Sources: OPQ, practice guide on prescribing (in French) · OPQ, practice guide on prescribing (in French) · OPQ, practice guide on professional activities (in French) · OPQ, practice guide on professional activities (in French) · OPQ, summary of what is new (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.