Health Care services available from pharmacists:
As part of Government’s ongoing plan to increase access to health care in the province, the scope of practice of pharmacists has expanded to allow pharmacists additional prescribing authority. This provides residents of the province with more convenient options for how they access and receive timely access to health care.
ALL residents of Newfoundland and Labrador with an active MCP card can visit their local pharmacist for the following medical assessments at no charge*:
- Prescription extensions up to a maximum of 12 months
- Assessment and prescribing (if applicable), for the following ailments and conditions**:
- Uncomplicated urinary tract infections (UTIs)
- Conjunctivitis
- Herpes Zoster (shingles)
- Fungal nail infections
- Gastroesophageal reflux disease
- Nicotine dependence
- Herpes Simplex (cold sores)
- Fungal skin infections
- Hemorrhoids
- Assessment and prescribing (if applicable), for hormonal contraceptives
* Although there is no cost for accessing a pharmacist for assessment and prescription (if applicable), any associated medication costs are the responsibility of the individual patient using their usual form of payment (NLPDP drug card, private insurance, cash, etc).
** An established number of assessments are allowed in a 12 month period. This ensures that individuals with frequent reoccurrences of an ailment/condition follow-up with a physician or nurse practitioner for further testing/assessments as required.
Prescription Extensions:
Under this program, an individual may access 4 extensions in a 12 month period. Multiple prescriptions can be extended with each claim if required. For example, if an individual presents to the pharmacy and renewal of 4 medications is appropriate, the pharmacy will renew all 4 medications and this would be considered 1 extension claim.
Hormonal Contraceptive Assessments:
Under this program, an individual may access up to 3 assessments in a 12 month period to assess an individual for hormonal contraceptives.
Select Ailment/Common Condition Assessments:
Under this program, an individual may visit a pharmacist for the assessment and prescribing (if applicable) for uncomplicated urinary tract infections (UTIs), conjunctivitis, Herpes Zoster (shingles), fungal nail infections, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), nicotine dependence (smoking cessation), Herpes Simplex (cold sores), fungal skin infections and hemorrhoids. The number of assessments which will be covered in a 12 month period are set out in the table below:
| Assessment Type | # of claims covered in a 12 month period |
| Uncomplicated UTI | 3 |
| Conjunctivitis | 2 |
| Herpes Zoster (Shingles) | 2 |
| Fungal nail infection | 3 |
| Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD) | 2 |
| Nicotine dependence (Smoking Cessation) | 3 |
| Herpes Simples (Cold sores) | 4 |
| Fungal skin infection | 3 |
| Hemorrhoids | 3 |
Accessing Pharmacy Health Care Services:
Individuals should check with their local pharmacy to inquire about the services they provide and whether an appointment is necessary. When presenting to the pharmacy, an active MCP card is required. It is possible that some pharmacies or pharmacists may choose not to offer some or all of these services. If that is the case, Individuals may be able to access the services at a different pharmacy within their area.