February 13, 2012, the Hon. Fred Horne, Minister of Health and Wellness, announced three changes that will affect pharmacy practice in Alberta. The following changes will come into effect July 1, 2012:

1. Pharmacists will be reimbursed for refilling prescriptions.
2. A Remote Pharmacy Access Grant will be put in place.
3. The price the government is paying for generic drugs will be reduced.

Details are still being finalized. The transition team, comprised of the Alberta Pharmacists’ Association (RxA) and representatives from community pharmacy, that has been representing Alberta pharmacists since 2009 will continue to work with Alberta Health and Wellness to develop the framework.

Pharmacists have been able to refill prescriptions since 2007. All pharmacists in Alberta have had the legislative authority to adapt (refill) prescriptions since 2007. The announcement simply means that now, instead of the pharmacist offering this care for free or the patient paying directly, there will be reimbursement.

For more information about the changes visit the Alberta College of Pharmacists website or view the Alberta government’s news release.

Original source: Alberta College of Pharmacists.