Canadian physicians: Only we can prescribe medications
Patient Safety Monitor Alert
August 29, 2007
The Canadian Medical Association has issued a statement saying only physicians should be allowed to prescribe medications. The statement comes in response to efforts to allow pharmacists to prescribe medications in some conditions, according to a Globe and Mail article.
Nursing and pharmacist groups criticized the statement, saying that despite statements to the contrary, physicians are not ready to embrace collaborative care in Canadian hospitals. Physicians countered that pharmacists do not have the training needed to prescribe medications.
"What they're saying is, 'We're in favor of teamwork as long as we can always be the quarterback,'" said Canadian Nurses Association president Marlene Smadu.
