The Ontario Government has relaxed long-standing rules about the renewal of non-narcotic prescriptions. Such prescriptions may now be authorized by pharmacists without reference to a doctor. Logically, it appears that doctors must still write the prescription. Pharmacists are also now permitted to give flu shots. For most people who take a prescription on a standing basis, this arrangement will mean less waiting at the drugstore while the pharmacy tries to confirm a repeat with the physician. This process sometimes takes as much as 48 hours, although it is usually shorter. Doctors typically charge their patients a fee which is attributed to the expense of having staff deal with pharmacy calls. Globe and Mail
