Patients and families
What your pharmacist can do, depending on your situation.
Not every service will be offered everywhere on December 9, 2026. The pharmacist decides based on their judgment, your situation and the pharmacy’s resources.
What becomes possible
Depending on your situation and your pharmacy.
- Common health problems: the pharmacist may assess your situation and, in their judgment, prescribe treatment if the criteria are met.
- Chronic diseases already diagnosed: in their judgment, they may prescribe or adjust treatment if your condition is at low risk of short-term deterioration.
- Expired prescription: they may extend it if they judge that your treatment should not be interrupted.
- Prevention and vaccines: they may prescribe to prevent certain diseases or conditions, and vaccinate at any age if they have the required training.
- Rapid tests: they may take a sample with no prescription, for example for strep, and prescribe treatment based on the result.
Why it is not automatic
Your pharmacist decides based on their judgment, the assessment of your condition and their ability to ensure appropriate follow-up. They may refer you to another professional, and sometimes that will be the best decision for you. They cannot prescribe designated substances under this framework (narcotics, controlled drugs, targeted substances).
Will there be fees?
Most of these services will be insured, but some tests may involve fees, according to the AQPP (August 20, 2026), notably for strep, urinary tract infection and ambulatory blood pressure monitoring. The pharmacist must mention the fees for a paid activity, and you may refuse. Ask your pharmacy.
How to prepare
- Call before you go: not every service will be offered everywhere on day one.
- Choose the pharmacy that already has your file when you can.
- Expect to need an appointment for some services.
- Renew your medications ahead of time, without waiting until the last moment.
- Ask your pharmacy whether fees apply to the service you want.
Sources: Québec Ministry of Health, announcement of August 20, 2026 (in French) · Noovo Info, August 20, 2026 (in French) · AQPP, adoption of the Bill 67 regulations, August 20, 2026 (in French) · OPQ, Pharmapratique campaign (in French) · OPQ, summary of what is new (in French)
Read more
No family doctor: what can your pharmacist do?
The pharmacist may consider the fact that you have no family doctor, but does not replace one. What is possible in Québec, and what still needs arranging.
Strep test at the pharmacy: what changes
A Québec pharmacist may take a throat sample with no prescription and, based on their assessment, prescribe if the result is positive. Conditions and possible fees.
Urinary tract infection: can the pharmacist prescribe?
The Ordre’s guide uses uncomplicated cystitis as an example, with clear limits. When a Québec pharmacist may act, and when they refer you elsewhere.
Contraception, travel, quitting smoking: examples of preventive prescribing
A Québec pharmacist may prescribe to prevent a disease or condition, such as an unwanted pregnancy. The Ordre’s examples, and the limit to know about.
Vaccination at the pharmacy: what changes with Bill 67
From December 9, 2026: no more age limit, required training, the Québec Immunization Protocol and the registry. What the Ordre’s guide provides.
Prescription from a pharmacist: can I have it filled elsewhere?
Yes: the Ordre’s guide asks pharmacists to respect your free choice, and to hand over or send the prescription. Your right to refuse, and conflicts of interest.