Ontario residents could soon get prescriptions for 14 more health issues from a pharmacist, rather than a family doctor, under new regulations proposed by the province.

The province is consulting with health-care associations to implement the changes, which would also expand the authority of optometrists, psychologists and physiotherapists, according to a government news release Wednesday.

Currently, Ontario pharmacists can write prescriptions for 19 ailments, including tick bites, cold sores and UTIs. The proposed changes would add shingles, swimmers' ears, sore throats and more to that list.

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Last year, about 2.5 million people in the province were without a family doctor.

"These changes would help alleviate pressures on prim

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