Message from Registrar & CEO

Enhancing access to healthcare through pharmacy services is a key priority in the College of Pharmacy of Newfoundland and Labrador’s (CPNL) 2023–2026 Strategic Plan. Enabling pharmacist-ordered laboratory tests was established as an important initiative towards achieving this goal. In August of last year, the Pharmacy Regulations, 2024 were amended to permit pharmacists to order laboratory tests. This important advancement resulted from months of collaboration with the Government of NL and further enables pharmacists to utilize their expertise to assist patients with their healthcare needs.

Following the necessary changes to the Regulations, CPNL invited pharmacy professionals and other key partners to provide feedback on a draft of the supporting Standards of Practice. We are grateful that more than 10% of registered pharmacy professionals participated in the consultation, with many expressing strong support for this new area of practice.

The consultation feedback identified areas where additional education may be needed to support clinical decision-making, accessing results, and interpreting and responding to test findings. This was helpful information, as the Regulations and Standards of Practice for Pharmacist-Ordered Laboratory Tests require pharmacists to complete CPNL-approved education and training before applying for authorization to order laboratory tests.

To ensure pharmacists have ready access to a suitable education and training program, over the past several months CPNL has worked closely with Memorial University’s School of Pharmacy on the development of a program that fulfills regulatory requirements and helps pharmacists with safely implementing lab test ordering into their practice. I am pleased to announce that this program is now open for registration. Upon completing the education requirements, pharmacists can now apply for authorization through the Registrant Portal. Please visit the CPNL website for more information.

With the public’s best interest in mind, CPNL continues to collaborate with government and other key partners to further optimize the scope of practice for pharmacists and pharmacy technicians, which supports patients and strengthens the provincial health care system.

Best Regards,