An explanatory policy analysis of legislative change permitting pharmacists in Alberta, Canada, to prescribe

Abstract

Objectives This paper provides an explanatory policy analysis of the new legislation which permits pharmacist prescribing in Alberta, Canada: the Pharmacists Profession Regulations (2006) to the Health Professions Act (1999). Its purpose is to provide useful insights for pharmacy regulatory bodies in other jurisdictions internationally that are in a position to pursue similar opportunities. Methods A search for government and regulatory body documents related to Alberta healthcare system and pharmacist prescribing was performed. Correspondence was initiated with authors and regulators to clarify or obtain current data. Key findings Research to support policy change recommendations and communication among healthcare professionals, regulators and other stakeholders is essential for developing and implementing legislative change regarding health professionals' scopes of practice at a time when legislative change is possible. Stakeholder barriers to implementation need to be identified early to provide opportunity to address and resolve. Conclusions Collaboration between healthcare professionals, regulators and other stakeholders is essential to developing a prescribing model that can be successfully implemented when there is the opportunity for legislative change related to health professionals' scope of practice. © 2011 Royal Pharmaceutical Society.