Effective July 1, 2022, Part A pharmacists, pharmacy technicians, registered pharmacy students, and interns are authorized to perform certain point-of-care tests (POCTs) for the purpose of assisting patients with the management of their medication(s) to treat chronic disease. This authority is enabled through regulatory amendments to the following regulations:
- O. Reg. 202/94 under the Pharmacy Act, 1991 – amended to authorize the act of piercing a patient’s dermis with a lancet-type device to obtain blood to include for the purposes of administering POCTs to assist patients with the management of their medication to treat chronic disease
- O. Reg. 45/22 under the Laboratory and Specimen Collection Centre Licensing Act – amended to enable authority to obtain a blood sample from the patient for the purpose of performing a POCT as well as to conduct the POCT
The POCTs included within this scope are:
- Glucose
- Hemoglobin A1C (HbA1C)
- Lipids
- Prothrombin time and International Normalized Ratio (PT/INR)
It is important to note that the interpretation of the test results must be performed by a Part A pharmacist.
To support pharmacy professionals with the implementation of point-of-care testing services, OPA has created the following resources/tools:
A guide to assist pharmacy professionals in determining a fair value for point-of-care testing services provided to patients. The intent of this document is to provide a suggested rate and associated rationale; however, pharmacy professionals may decide to charge whatever they deem to be fair, reasonable and appropriate in their individual settings.
Click here to download: Point-of-Care Testing (POCT) Services Suggested Fee Guide
A quick reference guide to clinical practice guidelines that support the interpretation of POCT results and clinical decision-making. Examples of available point-of-care testing devices for POCTs within pharmacy professionals’ scope are also provided.
Click here to download: Point-of-Care Testing References Chart
Clinical tools designed to assist pharmacy professionals with initiating discussions with patients about point-of-care testing. Includes information on target populations for testing, frequently asked questions, interpretation of POCT results and suggested actions, and more.
- Click here to download: HbA1C/Glucose Point-of-Care Testing Clinical Tool (or printer-friendly version)
- Click here to download: Lipids Point-of-Care Testing Clinical Tool (or printer-friendly version)
- Click here to download: PT/INR Point-of-Care Testing Clinical Tool (or printer-friendly version)
While point-of-care testing by pharmacy professionals is currently not publicly funded, OPA continues to work with the Ministry to emphasize the value of this service and will provide updates to pharmacy professionals should there be any changes.
Additional Resources:
- Point of Care Tests (Ontario College of Pharmacists (OCP))
- Clinical Viewers for Community Pharmacies (eHealth Ontario)
- Infection Prevention and Control (IPAC) Resources:
- Routine Practices and Additional Precautions in All Health Care Settings, 3rd Edition (Provincial Infectious Diseases Advisory Committee (PIDAC))
- Best Practices for Cleaning, Disinfection and Sterilization of Medical Equipment/Devices in All Health Care Settings, 3rd edition (Provincial Infectious Diseases Advisory Committee (PIDAC))
- Best Practices for Hand Hygiene in All Health Care Settings, 4th edition (Provincial Infectious Diseases Advisory Committee (PIDAC))
- Best Practices for Environmental Cleaning for Prevention and Control of Infections in All Health Care Settings, 3rd Edition (Provincial Infectious Diseases Advisory Committee (PIDAC))
- Patient Safety and Infection Prevention and Control (Ontario College of Pharmacists (OCP))
