New Brunswick pharmacists to prescribe drugs under new legislation

Pharmacists in New Brunswick will soon be able to prescribe certain drugs.

A government-sponsored bill to amend the Pharmacy Act will be introduced in the provincial legislature Tuesday.

Health Minister Mike Murphy says the enhanced role for pharmacists will give patients better access to health care.

He says people who have a pre-existing condition with an established diagnosis from their doctor, such as allergies, asthma, diabetes or high cholesterol, can consider seeing their pharmacist about receiving medication.

If the pharmacist is unable to help or determines the patient's needs are too serious, the patient will be advised to see his or her doctor.

Murphy says the government is also committed to optimizing the role of nurses and making midwives part of the publicly funded health system.