{'fraction_non_alphanumeric': 0.0193929173693086, 'fraction_numerical': 0.008431703204047217, 'mean_word_length': 5.247368421052632, 'pattern_counts': {'":': 0, '<': 0, '<?xml version=': 0, '>': 0, 'https://': 0, 'lorem ipsum': 0, 'www.': 0, 'xml': 0}, 'pii_count': 0, 'substrings_counts': 0, 'word_list_counts': {'cursed_substrings.json': 0, 'profanity_word_list.json': 0, 'sexual_word_list.json': 0, 'zh_pornsignals.json': 0}}
Legislative Change in Quebec Gives Pharmacists Expanded Authorities

Pharmacists in Quebec are gaining prescribing privileges and other expanded authorities in line with changes that have been made in other provinces. 
 
Quebec Health Minister Yves Bolduc introduced Bill 41 in the National Assembly on November 15, 2011, and it was passed December 8. The changes will allow Quebec pharmacists to extend or adjust certain prescriptions, administer some injections for education purposes and order lab tests to ensure appropriate uses of medication. 
 
In addition, pharmacists will be permitted to prescribe medications that don't require a diagnosis. Examples include folic acid and anti-nausea medication for pregnant women, malaria pills for travellers and smoking cessation medications. 
 
“We are confident these new activities will give patients better access to the health care system and will give pharmacists the ability to better manage drug therapy,” says Diane Lamarre, president of the province's pharmacist regulatory body, l'Ordre des pharmaciens du Quebec. Access is very important, she notes, given that around 2 million Quebec residents are without a family physician.