New Pharmacy Act Introduced Today

A new Pharmacy Act was introduced in the legislature today to support the evolving role of pharmacists and to enable pharmacists to better serve the public.

The act replaces the former Pharmacy Act, which was first introduced in 1876. It has been amended many times over the years.

"Pharmacists are key members of the health care team in this province," said Health Minister Jamie Muir. "Their expertise is critical to the health of Nova Scotians as more complicated prescription drugs are introduced to prevent and treat disease."

The new Pharmacy Act provides a new legislative framework for the pharmacy profession and focuses on the pharmacists' responsibility in achieving the best health outcomes for Nova Scotians.

The new act creates a professional college composed of all licensed pharmacists. It will serve and protect the public, exercise its powers and fulfill its responsibilities in the public interest, and govern the practice of pharmacy in the interest of optimal health outcomes. The college will maintain and ensure standards of professional practice and accountability.

The new act improves enforcement or disciplinary provisions similar to those recently enacted in other health profession statutes.

New licensing requirements in accordance with labour mobility obligations under the Agreement on Internal Trade are also part of the new legislation. These will make Nova Scotia's licensing requirements consistent with those of other provinces.

"Today we are modernizing a long outdated regulatory scheme and enhancing the accountability of pharmacists as well as ensuring that the public is well served," said Sujay Khiroya, president, Nova Scotia Pharmaceutical Society. "We're very proud of our profession and the service we provide to the public."

Pharmacy is one of the largest health professions in Nova Scotia, with over 900 practising pharmacists.