Table 1.
Pharmacists’ expanded scope of practice for prescribing to initiate contraception*
| Prescriptive authorization | Method of contraception | BC | AB | SK | MN | ON | QC | NB | NS | PE | NL | YT | NT | NU |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| No current authorization in place1 | Unable to prescribe contraception | X | X | X | X | X | X | X | X | X | ||||
| Additional prescribing authorization2 | Alberta: Oral, transdermal patch or vaginal ring hormonal contraception, progestin only injection3, progestin intrauterine contraception6, etonogestrel subdermal implant.3 | X | ✓ | X | X | X | X | X | X | X | X | X | X | X |
| Minor ailments | Saskatchewan: Oral, transdermal patch or vaginal ring hormonal contraception, progestin only injection2, etonogestrel subdermal implant.4 | X | X | ✓ | X | X | X | X | X | X | X | X | X | X |
| Prescribing preventative medicines | Quebec: Oral, transdermal patch or vaginal ring hormonal contraception, progestin only injection. | X | X | X | X | X | ✓ | X | X | X | X | X | X | X |
| Prescribing preventative medicines | Nova Scotia: Oral, transdermal patch or vaginal ring hormonal contraception, progestin only injection2, progestin intrauterine contraception5, etonogestrel subdermal implant.4 | X | X | X | X | X | X | X | ✓ | X | X | X | X | X |
Bold X signifies an opportunity to enhance access to contraception through pharmacist prescribing.
BC British Columbia; AB Alberta; SK Saskatchewan; MN Manitoba; ON Ontario; QC Quebec; NB New Brunswick; NS Nova Scotia; PE Prince Edward Island; NL Newfoundland; YT Yukon; NT Northwest Territories; NU Nunavut.
2Pharmacists can administer the injection; 3Arrange for insertion with primary care provider (physician/nurse practitioner); 4Implant status to be determined, 5In arrangement with primary care prescriber (physician/nurse practitioner).
Note: in many provinces/territories, pharmacists can prescribe to adapt/manage contraceptives to make therapeutic substitution, change drug dosage/formulation/regimen or renew/extend prescriptions for continuity of care. CPhA Pharmacists’ Expanded Scope of Practice. https://www.pharmacists.ca/pharmacy-in-canada/scope-of-practice-canada/ Accessed November 15, 2020.