Pangaea Express: Nova Scotia Expands Prescribing for Pharmacists

Pharmacists in Nova Scotia can now prescribe drugs for an established diagnosis and for a diagnosis supported by clinical practice guidelines. These amendments to the Standards of Practice: Prescribing Drugs were implemented January 1, 2026.

Prescribing for an Established Diagnosis – pharmacists can prescribe for: any condition where no new diagnosis is required and where the pharmacist has taken reasonable steps to confirm the diagnosis. any condition when the diagnosis is provided to the pharmacist by any provider who has the authority to assess and prescribe for the condition. Prescribing for a Diagnosis Supported by Clinical Practice Guidelines allows pharmacists to assess and prescribe for: acute otitis media and externa; acute rhinosinusitis; hypertension; onychomycosis; type II diabetes; chlamydia and gonorrhea when providing HIV PrEP. These amendments are in addition to pharmacist management of minor and common ailments (now 32 ailments identified) and of preventable conditions (e.g., vaccines, contraception etc.)

With this expanded scope for Nova Scotia pharmacists, it will be even more important for the industry to inform and educate pharmacists on medicines that treat a variety of conditions. A pharmacist will have more decision-making authority in managing/ prescribing for various diagnosed conditions such as diabetes, blood pressure, and hypercholesterolemia just to name a few.

For more information, please contact Michelle Stewart at mstewart@pangaea-consultants.com or Marla Weingarten at mweingarten@pangaea-consultants.com