Key Legislation and Policy Dates:

• October 23, 2009 – The Newfoundland and Labrador Pharmacy Board approved standards of practice for medication management by community pharmacists.  These standards were amended April 9, 2010.  All pharmacists in Newfoundland and Labrador are permitted, but not obligated, to practice medication management.  http://www.nlpb.ca/Documents/Standards_Policies_Guidelines/SOPP-Medication_Management-June2010.pdf
• Effective June 18, 2010, pharmacists in Newfoundland and Labrador were granted the authority to refill, extend or adjust prescriptions in accordance with the Newfoundland and Labrador Pharmacy Board’s standards of practice.  Press release here: http://www.releases.gov.nl.ca/releases/2010/health/0623n03.htm 
• On August 16, 2011, contract negotiations commenced between the Pharmacists’ Association of Newfoundland and Labrador and the Minister of Health and Community Services. http://www.panl.net/userfiles/files/Documents/2011/2011%20August%2017%20-%20Memo%20to%20Members%20re%20Gov%20Contract%20Negotiations.pdf The previous contract, negotiated in 2007, expired on March 31, 2011. http://www.panl.net/panl/?Content=News/Government_Takes_Action_to_Protect_Drug_Program_Cl

• On March 26, 2012, the Ministry of Health and Community Services issued a news release about amendments to the Pharmaceutical Services Act, resulting in generic drug price reimbursement changes.  The Ministry also indicated that the cost-savings may be reinvested in support for pharmacists, including remuneration for clinical services. http://www.releases.gov.nl.ca/releases/2012/health/0326n04.htm

• March 30, 2012 – Amendments to the Pharmaceutical Services Act received Royal Assent. http://www.releases.gov.nl.ca/releases/2012/health/0330n06.htm

• On March 30, 2012, the Ministry of Health and Community Services announced that the generic drug price reimbursement changes would go into effect April 16, 2012. http://www.releases.gov.nl.ca/releases/2012/health/0330n06.htm