Pharmacists Overview

Pharmacists are trained professionals who dispense prescription medications and counsel patients on the safe and appropriate use of medications. They may also conduct health and wellness screenings, provide immunizations, oversee the ordering of medications and provide advice on healthy lifestyles. Pharmacists can work in pharmacies in a variety of settings, including independent pharmacies, retail clinics, general merchandise stores, grocery stores, hospitals and other health care facilities, among others.

The links on the right lead to maps showing a comparison of all states and territories for the following four policy areas:

1) administration of the COVID-19 vaccine (shown below)
2) prescription adaptation
3) prescription of hormonal contraceptives
4) prescription of tobacco cessation aids

Choose a tab to explore different options. For more detailed information, please click on a state or territory.

Pharmacists:
Prescription of Tobacco Cessation Aids

Mobile users can use this dropdown of states if the map is too small.

LEGEND

Pharmacists may prescribe tobacco cessation aids
Pharmacists may not prescribe tobacco cessation aids
Information is not currently available

Prescription of tobacco cessation aids refers to a pharmacist’s authority to prescribe tobacco, smoking or nicotine cessation aids without having a collaborative practice agreement in place. Pharmacists may be required to complete tobacco cessation education and outline steps for patient screening and cessation intervention components before being granted independent prescribing authority. After screening patients, pharmacists can determine the appropriate tobacco cessation aid and counsel the patient on how to use the product correctly.

Policy areas for Pharmacists

Administration of COVID-19 Vaccine

Prescription of Hormonal Contraceptives

Prescription of Tobacco Cessation Aids

Prescription Adaptation

Practitioner Scope of Practice

Learn More About Pharmacists