Manitoba pharmacists get conscience clause
CMAJ 2000;163(3):320
The Manitoba Pharmaceutical Association now allows pharmacists to refuse to provide a prescription if they object to the prescribed drug on moral or religious grounds. Any pharmacist who invokes the conscience clause must still ensure that the customer's needs are met. Some pharmacists object to dispensing drugs like the morning-after pill because of their pro-life beliefs (see CMAJ 1999;161[7]:855-6).
"If you have moral or religious beliefs that might interfere with the provision of care, it is your responsibility to enable patient access," says Ron Guse, the association's registrar.
This may be possible in larger centres, but it is unclear how patients in more remote areas that have few pharmacists or pharmacies will be served. In these cases, the amended policy states that the pharmacist must discuss the situation with local prescribers.
The recent amendment to the association's Standards of Practice is "not a new concept to the profession of pharmacy or other health care professions," says Guse. "This is no different from the College of Physicians and Surgeons' Code of Conduct."
The Manitoba Medical Association declined comment on the issue, in part because its Board of Directors had not had an opportunity to consider the matter. — Jane Stewart, Winnipeg
 |
Send a letter to the editor Envoyez une lettre à la rédaction |
© 2000 Canadian Medical Association or its licensors
