I just received a prescription written by a pharmacist from Alberta. Do out-of-province pharmacists have prescribing privileges in B.C.?

No, out-of-province pharmacists are not recognized prescribers in BC.  Although some pharmacists may have certain prescribing privileges in their own provinces, a valid prescription in BC must be written by a “practitioner” as defined by PODSA.  Out-of-province pharmacists do not fall within this definition of a “practitioner” in BC.

Depending on the drug and the situation, pharmacists should use their professional judgment to decide if it is appropriate to process a new or transferred pharmacist prescription as an emergency supply prescription using the pharmacist’s ID as the prescriber. In all cases, clearly document the situation on the prescription.