Earlier this year, the Minister of Health approved regulatory changes to enable pharmacists to assess and prescribe for herpes zoster (shingles) and contraception management. This further supports pharmacy professionals in their role as primary care providers. As of June 6th, the Government of New Brunswick is providing funding via Medicare to support patients accessing these services.
“Patient care is at the core of what pharmacists and pharmacy technicians do,” said Anastasia Shiamptanis, registrar of the New Brunswick College of Pharmacists. “Having the proper regulatory framework in place and recognition of existing knowledge and education is critical to enabling pharmacy professionals’ important role in primary care.”