Neighbourhood Pharmacies has submitted recommendations to the Ontario Ministry of Health supporting proposed regulatory changes that would allow pharmacists to order laboratory tests, collect specimens, and perform point-of-care testing to support minor ailment assessments.
Our submission highlights three key points:
- Testing is a natural extension of pharmacist care. Pharmacists already assess and prescribe for many minor ailments. Access to appropriate diagnostic tools can improve clinical decision-making, support evidence-informed prescribing, and strengthen antimicrobial stewardship.
- Patients benefit from assessment, testing, and prescribing in one encounter. Community pharmacies are among the most accessible healthcare settings in Ontario. Allowing pharmacists to assess, test, and, where appropriate, prescribe treatment during a single visit can improve access to care and reduce pressure on other parts of the health system.
- Successful implementation requires sustainable funding and support. Saskatchewan's experience demonstrates that pharmacy-based testing works best when governments support both the professional services involved and the operational requirements needed to deliver them, including testing supplies, quality assurance activities, and implementation supports.
We look forward to working with the Ministry to support implementation of these important changes and to continue expanding timely, accessible, and evidence-informed care for Ontarians.