More Saskatchewan pharmacies to file exception drug requests online

Saskatchewan is extending an online tool for exception drug coverage requests to more community pharmacies, the provincial government said Oct. 5.

The Limited Access Exception Drug Status Application, known as LAEA, lets participating pharmacists file online requests for select drugs under Exception Drug Status (EDS) on behalf of eligible patients. The government says the online route will cut administrative work for health professionals and speed up coverage decisions.

EDS is a provincial program that covers certain prescription drugs for patients who meet clinical and program criteria. Physicians, nurse practitioners and pharmacists can submit requests for eligible patients. Patients cannot apply themselves.

The application rolled out to 10 community pharmacies in August. As many as 50 pharmacies are expected to take part this fall, depending on each pharmacy’s readiness, training and rollout needs.

Health Minister Jeremy Cockrill said patients deserve “timely access to the medications they need” and tied the expansion to the government’s Patients First Health Care Plan.

Gavin Bush, owner and manager of Hill Avenue Drugs, said the tool has saved his pharmacy time and energy. He said approvals come back in near real time, including evenings and weekends when the Saskatchewan Drug Plan is closed. That lets his pharmacy confirm coverage for patients on the spot, he said.

The rollout will continue in phases. The government’s stated long-term goal is to offer the application in community pharmacies, hospitals and primary care centres across the province.