Pharmacy Technicians on the Road to Regulation Focus on ...

May/June 2010 

<strong>Pharmacy</strong> <strong>Technicians</strong> on 

the Road to Regulation 

page 12 

Focus on Registration 

page 22

ontario college of pharmacists 

483 Huron Street, Toronto, Ontario M5R 2R4 • Tel (416) 962-4861 • Fax (416) 847-8200 • www.ocpinfo.com 

The mission of the Ontario College of Pharmacists is 

to regulate the practice of pharmacy, through 

the participation of the public and the 

profession, in accordance with standards 

of practice which ensure that our 

members provide the public with quality 

pharmaceutical service and care. 

Council Members 

Council Members for Districts 1-17 are listed below according to District number. PM indicates a public member appointed by the 

Lieutenant-Governor-in-Council. U of T indicates the Dean of the Leslie Dan Faculty of <strong>Pharmacy</strong>, University of Toronto. 

U of W indicates the Director, School of <strong>Pharmacy</strong>, University of Waterloo. 

1 Joseph Hanna 

2 Elaine Akers 

3 Sherif Guorgui 

4 Tracey Phillips 

5 Donald Organ 

6 Zita Semeniuk 

7 Tracy Wiersema 

8 Saheed Rashid 

9 Bonnie Hauser 

10 Gerald Cook 

11 Christopher Leung 

12 Peter Gdyczynski 

13 Sanjiv Maindiratta 

14 Stephen Clement 

15 Jon MacDonald 

16 Doris Nessim 

17 Shelley McKinney 

PM Joinal Abdin 

PM Thomas Baulke 

PM Corazon dela Cruz 

PM Babek Ebrahimzadeh 

PM James Fyfe 

PM David Hoff 

PM Margaret Irwin 

PM Javaid Khan 

PM Lewis Lederman 

PM Aladdin Mohaghegh 

PM Gitu Parikh 

PM Joy Sommerfreund 

U of T Henry Mann 

U of W Jake Thiessen 

Statutory Committees 

• Executive 

• Accreditation 

• Discipline 

• Fitness to Practice 

• Inquiries Complaints & Reports 

• Patient Relations 

• Quality Assurance 

• Registration 

Standing Committees 

• Communications 

• Finance 

• Professional Practice 

Special Committees 

• Standards of Practice Working Group 

• <strong>Pharmacy</strong> <strong>Technicians</strong> Working Group 

College Staff 

Office of the Registrar x 2244 

jaddesi@ocpinfo.com 

Office of the Deputy Registrar/ 

Director of Professional Development 

<strong>Pharmacy</strong> Connection Editor x 2241 

ltodd@ocpinfo.com 

Office of the Director of 

Professional Practice x 2241 

ltodd@ocpinfo.com 

Office of the Director of Finance 

and Administration x 2244 

jaddesi@ocpinfo.com 

Registration Programs x 2250 

jsantiago@ocpinfo.com 

Structured Practical Training Programs x 2297 

vclayton-jones@ocpinfo.com 

Investigations and Resolutions x 2274 

kspadafore@ocpinfo.com 

Continuing Education Programs and 

Continuing Competency Programs x 2273 

lsheppard@ocpinfo.com 

<strong>Pharmacy</strong> Openings/Closings, 

<strong>Pharmacy</strong> Sales/Relocation 

ocpclientservices@ocpinfo.com 

Registration and Membership Information: 


<strong>Pharmacy</strong> Technician Programs 


Publications x 2229 

mlee@ocpinfo.com

contents 

Interested in Serving on a College Committee? 10 

<strong>Pharmacy</strong> <strong>Technicians</strong> on the Road to Regulation 12 

Improving care for the elderly 15 

Take a trip back to the beginnings of <strong>Pharmacy</strong> at 

The Niagara Apothecary 19 

Focus on Registration 22 

regular features 

Registrar’s Message 4 

Editor’s Message 5 

Council Report 6 

<strong>Pharmacy</strong> Technician Q&A 14 

Health Canada Notices 17 

Did You Know... 20 

Practice Q&A 21 

Registration Q&A 24 

SPT Q&A 25 

Bulletin Board 26 

Update on Technology 27 

Deciding on Discipline 28 

Focus on Error Prevention - Prescription Transfers 29 

CE Resources 30 

Laws & Regulations 31 

pharmacyconnection 

May/June July 2010 • August Volume 200817 • Number Volume 315 • Number 4 

Serve on a College Committee – page 10 

The Road to Regulation – page 12 

Visit the Niagara Apothecary – page 19 

The objectives of <strong>Pharmacy</strong> Connection are to communicate information on College activities and policies; encourage dialogue and to discuss issues of 

interest with pharmacists; and to promote the pharmacist’s role among our members, allied health professions and the public. 

We publish six times a year, in January, March, May, July, September and November. We welcome original manuscripts (that promote the objectives of the 

journal) for consideration. The Ontario College of Pharmacists reserves the right to modify contributions as appropriate. Please contact the Associate Editor 

for publishing requirements. 

We also invite you to share your comments, suggestions or criticisms by letter to the Editor. Letters considered for reprinting must include the author’s 

name, address and telephone number. The opinions expressed in this publication do not necessarily represent the views or official position of the Ontario 

College of Pharmacists. 

Stephen Clement, R.Ph., B.Sc.Phm. 

President 

Deanna Williams, R.Ph., B.Sc.Phm., C.Dir., CAE 

Registrar 

Della Croteau, R.Ph., B.S.P., M.C.Ed. 

Editor, Deputy Registrar, 

Director of Professional Development 

dcroteau@ocpinfo.com 

Anjali Baichwal 

Associate Editor 

abaichwal@ocpinfo.com 

Agostino Porcellini 

Production & Design / Webmaster 

aporcellini@ocpinfo.com 

Neil Hamilton 

Distribution 

nhamilton@ocpinfo.com 

ISSN 1198-354X 

© 2010 Ontario College of Pharmacists 

Canada Post Agreement #40069798 

Undelivered copies should be returned to the 

Ontario College of Pharmacists. Not to be reproduced 

in whole or in part without the permission of the Editor. 

Cert no. SW-COC-2036 

10%

egistrar’s message 

Deanna Williams, R.Ph., B.Sc. Phm., C.Dir., CAE 

Registrar 

In many of my messages over the 

years, I speak about the “challenges 

and opportunities” facing 

our profession. Amidst recent government 

announcements respecting 

changes to Ontario’s Public Drug System, 

it’s hard to look for opportunities 

when all you can see in front of you 

are challenges. But I believe that 

opportunities do indeed exist—the 

real challenge is recognizing where 

they exist and then taking them. 

Over the past decade the College—with 

member support—has 

worked towards gaining an expanded 

scope of practice for pharmacists to 

enable all pharmacists to practice to 

the full extent of your education and 

training. No other health professional 

possesses the unique body of knowledge 

or the expertise in drug therapy 

that a pharmacist does. Every health 

care professional in Ontario has a 

profession-specific body of knowledge 

that positions them to fulfill a 

necessary and vital role in the health 

care system. As pharmacists, your 

expertise, knowledge and training 

sets you aside from other health professionals. 

While inter-professional 

education on common subjects such 

as anatomy, physiology and pathology 

is now routine, it’s a fact that no 

other health professional receives the 

extensive education and training in 

bio-pharmaceutics, pharmacokinetics, 

pharmacology, or drug therapy 

management that you do. 

The days where pharmacy graduates 

were content, first after two, 

The College trusts that amidst current challenges, all 

pharmacists will be true to their professional roots 

and do what is in the patient’s best interest. 

and then after four years of education 

and training, to “count and pour, 

lick and stick”—as we fondly referred 

to dispensing—are gone. Today’s 

new pharmacists are graduating after 

at least five years of university, although 

many of these folks enter the 

pharmacy programs with full degrees. 

The undergraduate curricula 

across Canada have undergone several 

revisions over the years, and today 

are based on new outcome-based 

and patient centered competencies. 

These new pharmacists are ready to 

embrace recent changes to legislation 

that will permit registered pharmacy 

technicians to responsibly assume 

most of the technical aspects of dispensing 

so that as pharmacists, they 

can embrace the role for which they 

have been trained- that of experts in 

medication therapy, monitoring and 

management. 

So, amidst the current challenges, 

you ask where is there opportunity? 

The business of pharmacy once again 

is facing new challenges but what 

does or should that have to do with 

the health profession of pharmacy? 

The business model may need to be 

changed, but as you know, nothing 

has ever precluded pharmacists from 

charging a reasonable fee for the services 

they provide. 

As the new scope of practice 

for pharmacists unfolds this year 

with pharmacists gaining five new 

controlled acts, perhaps this is the 

opportunity for you to demonstrate 

to the public and other health professionals 

that, business challenges aside, 

pharmacists are first and foremost 

health care professionals. This means 

fulfilling the public expectations that 

they—and their care—come first 

no matter what. Being professional 

means that quality patient care is at 

the forefront of every decision you 

make on behalf of patients and the 

College trusts that amidst current 

challenges, that all pharmacists will 

be true to their professional roots and 

do what is in the patient’s best interest. 

The future of pharmacy—as a 

health profession—depends on it. 

4 pharmacyconnection • May/June 2010

editor’s message 

Della Croteau, R.Ph., B.S.P., M.C.Ed. 

Deputy Registrar/Director of Professional Development 

Spring is here and the students 

are finishing exams, 

looking forward to working 

for the summer--or not. Students 

and faculty members at both our 

faculties of pharmacy are worried 

about the effects of the current 

issues between pharmacies and 

the government on the training 

and development of future pharmacists. 

Right when students 

should be settling down for their 

final exams, they got news of potential 

cuts to their training sites. 

Some pharmacies are taking a 

wait-and-see attitude. Some pharmacists 

would like to take a student 

but are unsure of the impact of the 

proposed changes and want to see 

how it all plays out. 

And although this is a difficult 

time for pharmacists, many of you 

remember the opportunity given 

to you by a pharmacist when you 

were a student or intern, and are 

fulfilling your commitment to train 

students and interns. The profession 

of pharmacy has a long 

tradition of apprenticeship and 

training for those coming into the 

profession. Some pharmacists consider 

it an essential part of their 

own continuing education. One 

pharmacist told us “ I learn just as 

much as the student–I am not sure 

who is teaching whom.” 

The students are telling us that 

it’s difficult to focus on those final 

exams when they are unsure as to 

The profession of pharmacy has a long tradition of 

apprenticeship and training for those coming into the 

profession. Some pharmacists consider it an essential 

part of their own continuing education. 

whether or not they will be able 

to get jobs once they complete all 

this university training. As one student 

put it, “I better get studying 

because if I don’t pass medicinal 

chemistry, I wont have a future in 

pharmacy to worry about!” 

But I shared these statistics 

with some of them: Close to 13 

per cent of the population is over 

65. Every seven seconds, a baby 

boomer turns 60. Life expectancy 

is 79 years. By the time all the baby 

boomers retire, 38 per cent of the 

population will be over 65. In other 

words, we need these new pharmacists 

with their advanced skills to 

keep us well and healthy. 

There are 1,996 trained 

preceptors in this province who 

have provided opportunities for 

students and interns. More than 

300 of them currently have students 

and interns with them in 

practice, and several more will be 

attending preceptor workshops in 

the next few weeks. We want to 

thank those of you who are stepping 

up to provide placements for U 

of T and Waterloo students as well 

as the many students and interns 

who come to us from other parts of 

Canada, the U.S. and around the 

world. In the face of uncertainty, 

you are providing them opportunities 

to receive valuable training and 

for some, to complete internship 

and receive their license to practice. 

Thank you for your continued 

support in the professional development 

of pharmacy. 

pharmacyconnection • May/June 2010 

5

council report - March 2010 

Legislation Updates 

Ms. Allison Henry, Manager, Regulatory 

Programs Unit at the Ministry 

of Health and Long-Term Care, 

was invited to attend the meeting 

to provide Council with an update 

respecting the Ministry’s progress 

with regard to the College’s Registration 

Regulation which was 

submitted to the Ministry on October 

5, 2009. 

The proposed Registration Regulation 

was amended last summer in 

response to the Ministry’s request 

to ensure the College’s compliance 

with the requirements under the 

proposed labour mobility legislation 

(Bill 175) and to address concerns 

expressed by the Office of Fairness 

Commissioner with regard to the 

non-exemptible requirements for 

international pharmacy graduates. 

Council noted that Bills 175 (the 

Ontario Labour Mobility Act) and 

179 (Regulated Health Professions 

Statute Law Amendment Act, 2009) 

both of which received Royal Assent 

on December 15, 2009 resulted 

in shifted priorities for the Ministry 

and impacted the regulatory approval 

processes for all regulatory 

colleges. The Ministry recognizes 

that the Registration Regulation 

is critical to enable the College to 

support the registration of pharmacy 

technicians, and Ms. Henry 

acknowledged the efforts of College 

Council and staff in meeting all 

deadlines in a timely manner and being 

available to consult and answer 

questions respecting the intent and 

purpose of the proposed regulations. 

She cautioned that it was likely that 

the Regulation may not be approved 

by mid May but indicated that Ministry 

staff would continue to work 

diligently to obtain final approval by 

late spring or early summer. 

Council noted that drafting of 

remote dispensing regulations is proceeding 

with anticipated review by 

the Professional Practice and Accreditation 

Committees before June 

Council. The College considers it 

critical that all regulatory amendments, 

including those to enable 

remote dispensing, are incorporated 

into one consolidated regulation so 

Council Approves Audited Statements for College 

Operations in 2009 

As prepared by Clarke Henning LLP, Chartered Accountants 

Statement of Operations – Year Ending December 31, 2009 

Budget 

Actual 

Revenues 

Member fees $ 6,223,627 $ 6,179,268 

<strong>Pharmacy</strong> fees 2,773,030 2,831,983 

Registration fees and income 878,169 1,011,675 

Investment Income 230,000 53,192 

$10,104,826 $10,076,118 

Expenses 

Council and committees 2,805,518 2,575,524 

Administration 7,808,839 7,556,544 

Property 283,228 250,841 

$10,897,585 $10,382,909 

Excess (deficiency) of revenues over 

expenses from operations for year, (792,759) (306,791) 

before depreciation 

Depreciation - 424,683 

Excess (deficiency) of revenues 

over expenses for the year (792,759) $ (731,474) 

The audit and resulting financial statements were prepared in accordance 

with Canadian generally accepted accounting principles. Of note is that 

of the $2.1 million approved by Council for the telecommuting initiative, 

approximately $375,000 of the expenditure ($200,000 in expense and 

$175,000 capital) will not be incurred until 2010. Taking into account this 

deferral of expenditure, the statements reflect a deficit of revenue over expenditure 

of $506,000 vs. the budgeted deficit of $792,000. 


that areas of potential “disconnect” 

regarding the regulation of pharmacies 

may be avoided. Accordingly, 

enabling provisions respecting remote 

dispensing are being written 

into these consolidated regulatory 

amendments to the DPRA (Drug 

and Pharmacies Regulation Act). 

It is the College’s intent to introduce 

these as a complete package 

to the government. In addition, 

stakeholder consultations and interprofessional 

health college meetings 

have begun on the enhanced 

scope of practice. Focus groups of 

front-line practitioners will also be 

conducted around the province to 

inform the drafting of regulations 

regarding scope. 

By-law amendments 

Ratified 

Following circulation of a new general 

operating by-law, which amends 

various sections of the current bylaw 

to incorporate changes to the 

elections procedures, integration of 

technician members and other miscellaneous 

matters to bring it in line 

with current procedures and reflect 

best practices, the by-law was also 

further re-examined internally by 

legal counsel to determine how to 

address implementation in the event 

that proclamation of the registration 

regulation and <strong>Pharmacy</strong> Act 

changes enabling registration of 

pharmacy technicians was not received 

in time for elections. To that 

end, changes were proposed to several 

sections to enable the by-law 

to come into force with provisions 

for election of technicians to take 

place upon passage of the regulatory 

and legislative changes, should these 

occur later. 

Council ratified the by-laws 

which became effective immediately. 

The new by-law, and the 

schedules, can be accessed on the 

College website at www.ocpinfo. 

com. 

Council Ratifies proposed 

amendments to the Drug 

and Pharmacies Regulation 

Act 

Subsequent to Council’s consideration 

and preliminary approval in 

December 2009 of proposed 

amendments to the Drug and Pharmacies 

Regulation Act (DPRA) to 

consolidate Regulations 551/90 

and 297/96 and to amend certain 

portions of the Regulations, the 

consolidated version of the Regulations, 

together with a comparison 

chart, was circulated to members 

for comment. 

Following the review of received 

comments, some of which required 

simple clarification and others which 

repeated past submissions, five additional 

amendments were made: 

- Replacing the definition of “electronic 

signature” with that in 

the Electronic Commerce Act: 

(i.e. “electronic information that a 

person creates or adopts in order 

to sign a document and that is in, 

attached to or associated with the 

document”) 

- clarification that pseudoephedrine 

and ephedrine are drugs 

in Ontario. Although it was the 

intention of both the College and 

the Ministry of Health and Long- 

Term Care that these substances 

remain drugs when the definition 

of a drug was revised in 2007, both 

parties consider it important to 

provide greater clarity since these 

products are now also designated 

as natural health products. Provision 

(f) of the definition of a drug 

will ensure that they are sold in 

a manner which protects against 

diversion and illicit use 

- A change in wording to the section 

concerning the knowledge 

of the designated manager of the 

specifics of any agreement where 

a pharmacy discloses non patient 

identifiable information to a third 

party. A copy of such an agreement 

would not necessarily be 

required to be provided to the 

designated manager, but they must 

be made aware of its existence 

and be assured of the fact that no 

patient identifiable information 

would be included 

- definition of “benefit” as it relates 

to conflict of interest is clarified to 

exclude those permitted by law 

- clarification of section 40.(2) to 

include “all prescription records” for 

maintenance of records as opposed 

to “written” prescriptions. 

U of T’s Satellite IPG Pilot 

receives approval 

Council approved the University of 

Toronto’s proposal for a one-time 

pilot delivery of a satellite IPG Program 

in Egypt in spring 2010. 

The faculty at the University of 

Toronto has been considering strategies 

to improve access to the IPG 

program both geographically and 

financially and this program is being 

offered as a one time pilot, with 


7

council report 

the intent to evaluate the program 

for achievement of student learning 

outcomes, feasibility of delivery and 

improved access to the profession of 

pharmacy in Canada. 

Admission criteria are the same 

as for those students applying locally 

and access will be open to anyone 

who meets the entry criteria and 

has the legal authority to attend 

the program in Egypt (i.e. students 

from other jurisdictions are eligible 

provided they have the authority to 

study in Egypt.) Students will also 

be required to complete the last four 

weeks of the program in Toronto. 

Applicants will need to have completed 

the PEBC evaluating exam 

and fluency prior to enrolling in the 

pilot program, but would still be required 

to meet all of the remaining 

entry-to-practice requirements, including 

studentship, internship, the 

jurisprudence exam and the PEBC 

qualifying exam. 

There was recognition of the 

need to ensure that graduates of the 

program achieve the same learning 

outcomes as students in the local 

program and that a pilot such as this 

would assist in determining the feasibility 

of offering such a program on 

an ongoing basis. 

Council approves Pilot 

<strong>Pharmacy</strong> Technician 

Bridge Training Program 

for Internationally trained 

individuals 

Centennial College, in response to 

a call for proposals, has received 

funding from the Ontario Ministry 

of Citizenship and Immigration to 

develop and pilot a program for 

international applicants pursuing 

registration as a pharmacy technician. 

The proposal was to design 

a program that would be approved 

by the College and could be accessed 

and sustained through the 

Community College system in Ontario 

over the long term. 

International graduates applying 

for a certificate of registration 

as a pharmacy technician, like the 

international pharmacist graduates, 

will need to complete an 

approved program that will provide 

them with the learning opportunities 

needed to ensure they achieve 

the knowledge, skills and judgment 

at least equivalent to the graduates 

of CCAPP accredited pharmacy 

technician programs. This Bridging 

Program will include language 

training and orientation to the 

Canadian health care system, in 

addition to the knowledge and 

skills needed for practice as a pharmacy 

technician in Ontario. 

In order to be eligible, applicants 

must have either completed 

the OCP certification exam or, 

have completed an international 

pharmacy or pharmacy technician 

academic program and 2000 

hours of eligible pharmacy practice 

experience in any jurisdiction (credentials 

and practice experience to 

be assessed by PEBC). 

Sale of Non-Approved 

Marketed Health Products 

Council reviewed all information 

and correspondence received to 

date arising from the recently 

released position statement by 

NAPRA (National Association of 

<strong>Pharmacy</strong> Regulatory Authorities) 

and the corresponding advisory 

notice sent to all pharmacists in 

Ontario reminding them that, in 

accordance with the long standing 

position of the College, pharmacists 

should not sell products that 

have not been approved by Health 

Canada and/or obtained from 

bona fide sources. 

Although Council was made 

aware that Health Canada is 

working to address this matter 

through regulatory proposals, 

Council remains concerned that 

permitting unapproved products to 

be sold does not provide adequate 

assurance that such products are 

safe to be sold in pharmacies. 

Without such assurances from 

Health Canada, Council agreed 

that the College’s advice to pharmacists 

should remain unchanged. 

Accordingly, Council unanimously 

affirmed the College’s long 

standing position that in order to 

assure public safety and protection, 

pharmacists only purchase 

and sell products that have been 

approved by Health Canada and 

obtained from bona fide sources. 

This means that pharmacists 

should not sell a marketed health 

product without a Drug Identification 

Number (DIN), Natural 

Health Product Number (NPN) 

or Drug Identification Number 

for Homeopathic Medicine (DIN- 

HM), and further, should not 

purchase or accept for sale any 

marketed health products, including 

natural health products, that 

do not possess a DIN, NPN or 

DIN-HM. 


Grants Approved 

Council endorsed the Executive 

Committee’s recommendation that 

the College sponsor an education 

session at OPA’s Annual Conference 

to be held June 17-19, 2010. 

This year, the sponsorship, in the 

sum of $2,500, is being provided 

for the session entitled, “Intraprofessional 

collaboration: Engaging 

pharmacists and technicians in the 

new scope of practice model”. Registrar 

Williams has also been invited 

by the OPA to participate in panel 

discussions at the Conference. 

ePrescribing 

Demonstration Project 

Extension Approved 

Following receipt of correspondence 

from the physician and 

pharmacist leads of the two pilot 

sites for ePrescribing in Ontario, 

this College, together with the College 

of Nurses of Ontario and the 

College of Physicians and Surgeons 

of Ontario, agreed to support the 

extension of the pilot project for a 

period of 6 months (to end of June 

2010). The extension will allow all 

the Colleges access to a more complete 

evaluation and will help in the 

development of the Provincial Drug 

Information System. 

eHealth Provider Registry 

Update 

As reported previously, the College 

has been asked to participate 

in the eHealth Ontario Provider 

Registry Data Feed Project. The 

purpose of the Registry is to serve 

as a comprehensive source for the 

positive identification of all health 

care providers using eHealth solutions 

in Ontario. Participation 

involves providing eHealth Ontario 

with specific information about 

each of its members for validation 

purposes. 

The majority of the information 

is public in that it is contained in 

the College’s register. Some of the 

information however, is not public, 

namely: date of birth, date of 

death, gender, email address and 

language of choice. The College 

undertook a legal review to determine 

the appropriateness of sharing 

this information with eHealth for 

purposes of the Registry Data Feed 

Project. The review looked at the 

issue from the perspective of authority, 

and interests of the College 

and its members. 

Council was satisfied that the 

collection and disclosure of this 

information is supported by the 

College’s By-law as it relates to the 

professional characteristics and 

activities of its members that may 

assist the College in carrying out its 

objects - namely that the Registry 

is part of a province-wide effort to 

provide for greater collaboration and 

information sharing between health 

profession colleges and others, and 

to respond to technological and 

other changes in practice environments. 

Disclosure of the information 

for validation of identity in the 

Registry is also in the interests of 

members as the development of a 

harmonized eHealth system for Ontario 

is intended to improve patient 

care and safety by facilitating the 

sharing of information among health 

care providers. 

NAPRA/PEBC 

Representatives Appointed 

Council confirmed Ms. Tracy 

Wiersema’s appointment as the College’s 

representative on the NAPRA 

(National Association of <strong>Pharmacy</strong> 

Regulatory Authorities) Board. Ms. 

Wiersema’s appointment is effective 

February 2010 to December 2011. 

Council also affirmed Mr. Gdyczynski’s 

appointment to PEBC. 

Mr. Gdyczynski was appointed for 

a three-year term beginning in 2009 

and was recently elected PEBC’s 

President. Both representatives 

will report to Council following the 

annual general meetings of these 

organizations. 

Council Meeting 

Dates for 2010 

June 7 & 8, 2010 and 

September 13 & 14, 2010. 

For information, please contact 

Ms. Ushma Rajdev at 

urajdev@ocpinfo.com 


9

non-council committees 

Pharmacists and <strong>Pharmacy</strong> <strong>Technicians</strong>: 

Interested in Serving on a College Committee? 

Consider participating as a 

non-Council 

Committee Member 

U 

nder the Regulated Health Professions 

Act, the College committee 

structure requires the appointment 

of members who are not elected 

members of Council to its various 

committees. In addition, members with particular experience 

or expertise are also required from time to time to 

serve on various special committees, working groups and 

task forces. 

The statutory and standing committees that require 

participation by a non-council member are listed 

below, together with a brief description of their terms of 

reference. 

Both pharmacists and pharmacy technicians are encouraged 

to apply (pharmacy technicians see page 11 for 

details). 

The Accreditation Committee is a statutory committee 

that considers matters relating to the operation 

of pharmacies in Ontario. These matters include operational 

requirements, ownership, supervision and the 

distribution of drugs in the pharmacy. The Committee also 

reviews issues relating to pharmacy inspections conducted 

by field staff where the pharmacy has failed to comply 

with the requirements for maintenance, record keeping 

and ownership. 

The Communications Committee is a standing committee 

of the College. It is charged with dealing with all 

matters supporting public education and outreach, including, 

but not limited to, raising awareness of the value of 

both the profession and the College. 

The Discipline Committee*, through selected panels, 

hears allegations of professional misconduct against members 

as referred by various Committees of the College. 

Upon finding the member guilty of professional misconduct, 

the panel has the authority to revoke, suspend or 

limit a member’s registration, impose a fine, or reprimand 

the member. 

The Fitness to Practise Committee considers incapacity 

matters referred by the ICRC. 

The Inquiries, Complaints and Reports Committee* 

(ICRC) screens matters related to public complaints or 

information the College receives through reports. The 


Committee reviews written materials and determines 

whether a hearing is required, or if some other action 

would address the public interest. 

The Patient Relations Committee’s legislative requirements 

are to develop and monitor a Sexual Abuse 

Prevention Plan as well as to monitor the College’s Patient 

Relations Program and make recommendations to 

Council on ways to enhance relations between members 

and patients. 

The Quality Assurance Committee is responsible for 

developing and maintaining the College’s Quality Assurance 

Program, which includes such components as continuing 

education, a two-part register, minimum practice requirements 

and a practice review process. The goal of the Quality 

Assurance Program is to support continued competence 

and to encourage continuing professional development of 

registered pharmacists and pharmacy technicians. 

The Registration Committee* establishes the 

conditions and qualifications for registration. The 

Committee reviews, through panels, the eligibility of 

applicants when the registrar has doubts about their 

ability to meet the requirements. A panel of the Registration 

Committee may exempt an applicant from a 

portion of the entry-to-practice requirements when the 

applicant provides sufficient assurance to the committee 

that they have the appropriate level of knowledge 

and skills. 

The number of days required by members to serve 

on each committee varies according to the frequency of 

meetings and agenda. 

* The Discipline, ICRC and Registration Committees 

all operate using panels comprised by alternating committee 

members. Members of the committee will be selected 

to serve on panels to consider the matters presented and 

panels are convened approximately once a month. 

To be eligible for consideration for appointment, 

you must: 

• hold a valid Certificate of Registration as a pharmacist 

or as a pharmacy technician (Those pharmacy 

technicians who have met the requirements of licensure 

and are awaiting the passing of the legislation are 

encouraged to submit their resumes for consideration) 

• either practise or reside in Ontario 

• not be in default of payment of any fees prescribed in 

the By-Laws 

• not be the subject of any disciplinary or incapacity 

proceeding 

• not have your Certificate of Registration revoked or 

suspended in the six (6) years preceding the date of 

the appointment 

• not have your Certificate of Registration subject to a 

term, condition or limitation other than one prescribed 

by regulation and 

• not have a conflict of interest in respect of the Committee 

to which you are to be appointed 

You will need to submit a letter of interest stating the 

committee(s) on which you would like to serve, along with 

a brief resume and any other information you deem useful. 

Non-council committee members are required to serve 

a one-year term and the President, in conjunction with 

the chairs of the committees, makes committee appointments 

at the beginning of each Council year. You will be 

contacted after the Council meeting has taken place (September 

13 and 14, 2010) if you have been appointed to serve 

on a Committee. 

If you are interested in being considered for an 

appointment to a committee, or for more information 

on non-Council Committee representation, contact 

Ms. Ushma Rajdev, Council & Executive Liaison, at 

416-962-4861, ext. 243; email urajdev@ocpinfo.com. 


11

pharmacy technicians 

<strong>Pharmacy</strong> <strong>Technicians</strong> on 

the Road to Regulation 

<strong>Pharmacy</strong> technicians on the regulation route agree 

that the challenges will be worth it 

by Stuart Foxman 

Tracy Wills has had an accomplished 

career as a 

pharmacy technician, working 

at Hôtel-Dieu Grace Hospital in 

Windsor and part-time for Shoppers 

Drug Mart. Still, she says, “no matter 

how much experience you have, 

there’s so much more to know.” 

Wills, one of two pharmacy technician 

observers on the Ontario 

College of Pharmacists council, has 

spent the past two years pursuing 

regulation. She is one of the many 

pharmacy technicians currently 

completing the required courses and 

exams, with a view to becoming part 

of the first round of registered pharmacy 

technicians later this year. 

“With all the changes in the profession, 

the more knowledgeable 

you are, the more valuable you 

become,” says Wills. She should 

know. Not only is Wills a student, 

she also instructs in the pharmacy 

technician program at Windsor’s St. 

Clair College. 

As Wills and her counterparts 

travel along the road to regulation, 

how do pharmacy technicians and 

employers view the process? 

“I’ve been waiting for this a long 

time,” says Mary Bozoian, business 

integrity consultant with ESI Canada, 

a Mississauga-based pharmacy 

benefits management company, and 

interim president of the Canadian Association 

of <strong>Pharmacy</strong> <strong>Technicians</strong>. 

She recalls discussions about 

regulation dating back to the early 

1990s, so when word of pharmacy 

Patricia Hayton and Tracy Wills 

technician regulation came about, 

she jumped at the chance to finally 

pursue the educational requirements. 

“If you can expand your knowledge, 

learn new skills, and better understand 

the pharmacy practice,” says 

Bozoian, “why wouldn’t you do it?” 

Bozoian feels that becoming regulated 

will bolster her credibility and 

accountability. Employers agree 

that regulation advances the field. 


Christine Donaldson, regional pharmacy director at 

Windsor-Essex Hospitals, says that as pharmacists 

are assuming greater responsibilities, regulation helps 

pharmacy technicians to keep pace. 

“It allows both of us to keep moving forward. These 

are exciting developments for the entire profession,” 

says Donaldson. 

<strong>Technicians</strong> pursuing regulation admit that at times, 

seeing the long-term benefits to your career (and to 

the profession overall) can be difficult when you’re 

focused on the short-term demands of balancing 

education with a job. But the pharmacy technicians 

who’ve already done so encourage their colleagues to 

take on the challenge. 

“It wasn’t easy, but it was manageable,” says Patricia 

Hayton, a pharmacy technician with the Rouge 

Valley Health System, Centenary Site, in Scarborough. 

“The growth that technicians have achieved, 

and are about to embark on, will welcome more 

opportunities to showcase our abilities in this new 

expanded role. Regulation validates the dedication 

and hard work that pharmacy technicians perform 

on a daily basis.” 

For Linda Sparrow, coordinator of professional 

practice at Dell <strong>Pharmacy</strong>, a chain in the Hamilton- 

Niagara area, regulation “adds strength and more 

responsibility to the role.” 

Sparrow reports that 25 per cent of Dell’s pharmacy 

technicians are engaged in the bridging program. In 

the health care delivery model, she says the pharmacy 

as a whole is playing an increasingly central role, and 

that, with regulation, pharmacy technicians will only 

enhance their standing. 

Wills agrees. She says that every course she took 

gave her more confidence and a greater understanding 

of pharmacy practices and the reasons behind them. As 

someone who works in a hospital and a retail setting, 

she knows that becoming a regulated pharmacy technician 

will help her to fulfill her primary duty in both. 

“Patient safety should be our first concern,” she 

says. “The only way to do that is by being up-todate 

on how things are changing in our profession and 

scope of practice.” 

Upcoming dates 

for <strong>Pharmacy</strong> 

<strong>Technicians</strong>: 

PEBC Evaluating Exam 

Next exam: September 18, 2010 

Registration deadline: June 28, 2010 

Note: Individuals currently in the profession 

who wish to pursue regulation in Ontario and 

require this exam must do so by Jan. 1, 2012 

That means there are only three 

opportunities left! 

PEBC Qualifying Exam 

Next exam: Aug 28, 2010 (written exam), 

Aug 29, 2010 (performance exam) 


Note: applicants may choose to write one or both 

parts of the Qualifying exam within the same session 

Applications and exam details are available on 

the PEBC website (www.pebc.ca) 

Jurisprudence Exam 

Next exam: July 21, 2010 


Registration opens: May 17, 2010 

Note: applicants must be CCAPP graduates or have 

passed the OCP certification exam or PEBC 

evaluating exam. Completion of the Bridging 

Program is strongly recommended prior to sitting 

the exam. 

This exam must be completed within three years 

of meeting all the requirements for registration as a 

pharmacy technician. 

See the OCP website for registration details. 


13

pharmacy technician Q&A 

Susan James, BScOT, MPA 

Manager, Registration Programs 

Understanding the role of the un-regulated technician 

QIn the January/February 2010 issue of <strong>Pharmacy</strong> 

Connection the College stated that there will be 

some people who choose not to become regulated 

and that in many of those cases they will still be able 

to perform the same job that they are currently in. 

My employer has told me that if I do not choose to 

become regulated, they can not allow me to continue 

doing the same job. Who is correct? 

This is a complex issue. Many pharmacy technicians, particularly 

those working in a hospital setting, have been 

performing aspects of the controlled act of “selling, dispensing 

and compounding a drug” under a delegated model 

of practice. Under the Regulated Health Professions Act, 

controlled acts are only to be performed by professionals 

with the legislated authority to do so. When delegation 

is used, the professional who transfers the authority to 

perform the act remains accountable for the performance 

of the person to whom they have delegated it. 

In the past, this mechanism of transferring authority 

allowed many pharmacy technicians to perform their job 

without requiring direct supervision and double checking 

by the pharmacist. The government has always been 

clear however, that delegation should not be used to 

bypass regulation where it exists. Once the legislation 

to regulate pharmacy technicians is in effect, it will allow 

pharmacy technicians (i.e. those registered with the 

College) to perform the technical aspects of dispensing 

and compounding with greater independence, as a result 

of being accountable for their own practice. In fact, 

one of the reasons the government decided to regulate 

pharmacy technicians was the fact that many of them 

were already performing this task without the safeguards 

that regulation of the profession provides to the public. 

As stated previously, many hospitals are requiring 

their staff to become registered with the College and in 

making this decision, many of them have considered the 

risk management issues related to using regulated and 

non-regulated workers. Requiring the use of regulated 

professionals not only means they have demonstrated 

that they have the necessary knowledge, skill and ability 

to perform their job, but also ensures that their practice 

will be held to the standards of the profession and that 

they will be required to demonstrate their continued 

competence over time. 

There are a number of factors that employers need 

to review when determining not only if they will require 

registration, but also the tasks that non-regulated personnel 

will be able to perform. As a transition measure 

some employers may continue to use the delegation 

model while their staff prepares to become regulated. 

At a future point however, it is reasonable to expect 

that employers will restrict performance of the controlled 

act of dispensing and compounding to regulated 

professionals. 


geriatric report 

Improving care for the elderly 

Chief Coroner’s Geriatric and Long Term Care Review 

Committee makes recommendations concerning the use of 

drugs in the elderly 

The Geriatric and Long Term Care Review Committee 

reports to the Chief Coroner for the 

Province of Ontario. Cases are referred to this 

committee from a variety of sources, including local coroners. 

The committee conducts an independent review 

of the available records relevant to the specific case and 

prepares a final report which includes recommendations 

aimed towards the prevention of future deaths in similar 

circumstances. In 2008, the Geriatric and Long Term Care 

Review Committee reviewed a total of 18 cases which 

resulted in 46 recommendations. The recommendations 

are intended to promote discussion and initiate change. 

The recommendations focused on issues and concerns 

relating to: medical and nursing management, communication 

and documentation, use of drugs in the elderly, 

admissions, discharge and transfer procedures, and the 

acute care and long term care industry in Ontario. Below 

are the recommendations concerning the use of drugs in 

the elderly. Pharmacists who are part of a team working 

in long term care of geriatrics may also wish to review 

the other recommendations which apply to all health 

professionals. Within the areas of concern, there are recommendations 

which tend to be repeated yearly and may 

indicate a systemic risk to the elderly. 

Recommendations concerning the 

use of drugs in the elderly: 

• Health care professionals should be reminded that the 

decision to prescribe antipsychotic medications for demented 

patients requires careful consideration of the 

benefits of using these medications and the potential 

for the development of side effects. Rarely, if ever, are 

dopaminergic or anticholinergic medications of value 

in the management of the side effects or antipsychotic 

medications prescribed for elderly demented patients. 

Rather, discontinuation of the medications or alternative 

medication strategies should be pursued. 

• All acute and long term care institutions in the Province 

of Ontario should have a policy and procedure to 

calculate the appropriate dosing of medications for ill 


15

geriatric report 

elderly patients with renal impairment. The importance 

of utilizing a pharmacist in establishing and adjusting the 

dosages of medications for ill elderly patients cannot be 

overemphasized. 

• The hospital should develop and institute a professional 

practice policy to identify medications requiring careful 

clinical monitoring at the time of discharge from the intensive 

care unit. The importance of direct physician to 

physician communication as part of this policy cannot be 

overemphasized. 

• Health care professionals should be reminded of the 

importance of monitoring medications prescribed in the 

elderly. Even when medications such as analgesics are 

required in the elderly, toxic side effects may still occur. 


commonly prescribed oral hypoglycaemic medication Glyburide 

may cause hypoglycaemia in the elderly even in the 

presence of frequently high blood sugars. 


abrupt discontinuation of beta blockers should be done 

with extreme caution. 

The complete list of recommendations and case reviews 

are available on the website of the Ontario Ministry of Community 

Safety and Corrections at www.mcscs.jus.gov.on.ca 

Select “Chief Coroner” then “Publications and Reports.” 


health canada advisories & notices 

April 9, 2010 

April 9, 2010 

March 31, 2010 

March 25, 2010 

March 25, 2010 

March 23, 2010 

March 22, 2010 

March 20, 2010 

March 15, 2010 

March 11, 2010 

March 8, 2010 

March 1, 2010 

February 16, 2010 



Health Canada, in consultation with GlaxoSmithKline, has revised the provisional expiry date of the adjuvanted H1N1 vaccine (Arepanrix). 

This revision is not safety–related but is due to a decline in strength of the H1N1 antigen in specific lots. 

Further to the recent regulatory recommendations in the United States and European Union to not approve Zeftera due to concerns 

regarding the conduct of clinical trials, Janssen-Ortho Inc., in collaboration with Health Canada, decided to issue a Notice to Hospitals 

regarding the discontinuation of sale of Zeftera (ceftobiprole medocaril) on April 16th, 2010. 

Health Canada is warning Canadians that an unauthorized health product, “West Pharm Therma Lean Fat Burner Energizer” was found on 

the Canadian market. West Pharm Therma Lean Fat Burner Energizer contains Ephedrine and caffeine, which combined together, may cause 

serious and possibly fatal adverse effects. Canadians suffering from heart conditions, high blood pressure and diabetes are among those 

particularly at risk. The product was distributed across Canada via the internet by Nutrition First (www.nutritionfirst.ca), a company located 

in Nova Scotia. 

Health Canada is warning Canadians that an unauthorized health product, “Herbal Diet Natural” has been found on the Canadian market 

and contains an undeclared pharmaceutical ingredient similar to the prescription drug sibutramine. Sibutramine may pose serious health 

risks, particularly to people with heart problems. 

WinRho SDF (Rho(D) Immune Globulin (Human)) Association with Intravascular Hemolysis in the Treatment of Immune Thrombocytopenic 

Purpura (ITP)- Important New Prescribing Information - Cangene Corporation. Resulting from the analysis of reports of intravascular 

hemolysis, changes to the prescribing information for WinRho SDF for the treatment of immune thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP) have been 

made. These changes include new contraindications and conditions of use. 

Health Canada is advising consumers that Ratiopharm Inc., of Mirabel, Quebec, has voluntarily recalled all units from two lots (Lot HF26 

and Lot HF27) of the prescription drug Ratio-Prednisolone Ophthalmic Solution (DIN 00700401) in 1.0% strength because some bottles may 

contain particles that could lead to increased eye irritation. 

Health Canada is informing health care professionals and Canadians of changes to the labelling information for the prescription antibiotic 

Avelox (moxifloxacin). The updated labelling incorporates important safety information related to the rare risk of severe liver injury. 

LifeScan has initiated a voluntary recall of specific lots of OneTouch SureStep Test Strips because they may provide false low test results 

when blood glucose is greater than 22.2 mmol/L. Customers are asked to contact LifeScan immediately to find out if their test strips are 

affected. 

Health Canada would like to remind the thousands of Canadians who rely on medical devices or systems with internal clocks to check these 

devices to ensure they switch from Standard Time to Daylight Savings Time on Sunday, March 14, 2010 at 2:00 a.m. 

There are new changes to the Dose Conversion Guidelines - Janssen-Ortho Inc., Cobalt Pharmaceuticals Inc., Teva Canada Limited, Ranbaxy 

Pharmaceuticals Canada Inc., ratiopharm inc., Sandoz Canada Inc. and Pharmascience Inc. The morphine dose conversion ratio (parenteral 

versus oral) is now of 1:3. The conversion doses of IV/IM morphine to Fentanyl Transdermal Systems (patch strengths of 75, 87 and 100 mcg/ 

hour) were revised to “not applicable” to reflect the insufficiency of data available for guidance. 

Health Canada is warning Canadians that an unapproved health product, “Power-Max” contains sildenafil, a prescription medication was 

found on the Canadian market in Ontario. Sildenafil may pose serious health risks, particularly to people with heart problems. 

Health Canada is advising consumers not to use the following foreign health products due to concerns about possible adverse reactions: 2H 

& 2D, Products distributed by Atlas Operations Inc., Products distributed by Bodybuilding.com, STRO Emperor Capsules and Tian Yang Xu 

Huo Oral Ulcer Capsule. 

Accutane has been associated with cases of severe skin reactions (e.g. toxic epidermal necrolysis, Stevens-Johnson syndrome and erythema 

multiforme). 

Dana Douglas Inc. has initiated a voluntary recall of certain neXus I, II and III rollators which may break during use resulting in the user 

falling and suffering serious injury including bruising, broken bones or death. 

Health Canada is advising consumers that the unauthorized product “Complete 7-Day Cleanse” is being recalled because it contains a 

number of active ingredients with a combined effect that may pose serious health risks. 

For complete information & electronic mailing of the Health Canada Advisories/Warnings/Notices subscribe online at: 

http://www.hc-sc.gc.ca/dhp-mps/medeff/index_e.html 

MedEffect e-Notice is the new name which replaces Health Canada’s Health_Prod_Info mailing list. 

The content of the e-notices you receive will remain the same and are now part of MedEffect, a new Health Canada Web site dedicated to adverse 

reaction information. MedEffect can be visited at www.hc-sc.gc.ca/dhp-mps/medeff/index_e.html 

Health Canada Notices are also linked under “Notices” on the OCP website: www.ocpinfo.com 


17

PROPOSED CHANGES TO ONTARIO’S PUBLIC DRUG SYSTEM 

Feedback Shows Another 

O 

Side to the Debate 

ver the past several weeks, the College has received many letters, e- 

mails and phone calls from members about the provincial government’s 

proposed changes to Ontario’s public drug system. Many members have 

told us how they fear these proposed changes will affect their practice 

and their ultimate role as a healthcare provider. While much of what we 

have heard – and indeed what is reflected in the public domain – focuses on the negative 

impact the proposed changes will have on pharmacies, particularly those outside of the 

GTA, the College has also heard from members who are truly trying to recognize and 

seize opportunities and to view the situation as a positive step forward. 

Here are some examples of the positive feedback the College has received: 

“The funding and business model aside, pharmacists should be poised to make 

the most of the impending increases to our scope of practice. It is the biggest 

opportunity the profession has ever seen.” 

“In all of this debate, we have not considered the opportunities provided 

through the licensing of pharmacy technicians – just doom and gloom, with 

the scenario of the pharmacist hidden in the back of the dispensary checking 

prescriptions. Licensing technicians may free up more time for the pharmacist to 

interact with patients and prescribers—regardless of the business model.” 

“I don’t think pharmacists should be using patient interaction as a bargaining 

tool. I don’t think removing consultation in the interest of profits should even 

be up for discussion.” 

“I really think our expanded roles as pharmacists in the future and payment 

for such services will keep our profession strong. I look forward to the changes 

OCP has for us and our patients.” 

“I’m extremely pleased with the College’s forethought and work into shaping 

the future of pharmacy. If pharmacy staff put as much effort into counselling 

patients as they have ingetting petitions signed, we have absolutely no 

concerns about the future of pharmacy!” 


niagara apothecary 

History Re-Opens for the Season 

Take a trip back to the beginnings of <strong>Pharmacy</strong> at The Niagara Apothecary 

Spring is here and there’s never 

been a more perfect time to 

go to Niagara-on-the-Lake 

and visit the origins of pharmacy at 

The Niagara Apothecary. The National 

Historic site is operated by the 

OCP and is open from Mother’s Day 

to Labour Day. 

Once inside the doors of the 

Apothecary, visitors are taken back 

to the way pharmacists practiced 

over 100 years ago. Liquor by the 

barrel or the bottle (and even by 

the glass), flavourings, paints, dyes, 

leeches, tobacco and snuff–these 

were the stock-in-trade of a 19thcentury 

pharmacy. Rows of patent 

medicines, “miracle cure-alls” for 

everything from hair loss to tuberculosis 

are on the shelves. The only 

restorative ingredients in most patent 

remedies of the time were opiates 

and alcohol, so pharmacists were 

handy with a mortar and pestle to 

custom-make prescriptions. 

The Apothecary is the only surviving 

building in the region from 

the 19th century and was a working 

pharmacy between 1820 and 1964. 

It operated for over 100 years under 

a succession of six owners, closing in 

1964. The Ontario Heritage Trust 

acquired the property, led its restoration 

and opened it as a museum in 

1971.Today it is a museum showcasing 

mid-Victorian architecture and authentic 

19th century pharmaceutical 

materials such as bottles and jars imported 

from Britain during the 1830s, 

and original show globes, which were 

placed in windows to indicate that 

the building was a pharmacy. 

The original interior fittings of 

the Apothecary, all in use until 1964, 

have been painstakingly restored. 

The hub of the Apothecary was the 

ornately carved dispensary, which 

dominates the rear of the museum. 

With the exception of certain proprietary 

drugs, even pills were made at 

the dispensary. 

Farewell Ernie 

Ernie and his wife Cathy, 

at the Niagara Apothecary 

Curator Ernst (Ernie) Stieb retiring after 40 years 

After 40 years as a volunteer curator for the Niagara Apothecary, Ernie Stieb 

is retiring. A Registered Pharmacist in Ontario since 1953, Ernie has managed 

the facility since opening day in 1971. Over the years, he has overseen the 

restoration of the professional practice aspects of the 1866 building as well as 

the exhibits and maintenance of historical archives. 

Ernie graduated from the University of Toronto in 1952 with B.Sc.Phm, before 

obtaining an M.Sc.Phm in 1955 and Ph.D from the University of Wisconsin in 

1959. There, he served as Associate Professor of pharmacy until 1967 when 

he returned to U of T’s pharmacy faculty. From 1967 to 1995, Ernie held a 

variety of positions as the faculty, including professor, assistant, associate and 

acting Dean. A Kitchener resident, Ernie has been married to his wife, Cathy, 

for more than 50 years and has two children. Under Ernie’s direction, the 

Apothecary has been a must-see attraction in Niagara-on-the-Lake, offering 

visitors a glimpse into the origins of the profession. On behalf of the College, 

we wish Ernie all the best and thank him for his dedication and time! 


19

professional practice 

Did You Know? 

Jessie Dufour, R.Ph. and Nadia Sutcliffe, R.Ph. 

Did You Know? is a regular feature in <strong>Pharmacy</strong> Connection. It’s a series of quick pointers reminding 

pharmacists and technicians of their legal and practice obligations from an inspector’s perspective, aimed at 

focusing on issues and incorporating best practices into Ontario pharmacies. 

DID YOU KNOW … 

… that the Point of Care sign should be displayed in 

such a way that it can be viewed from outside the pharmacy? 

The main entrance or window are good locations. 

… that the Regulations under the DPRA require that 

no food be kept in the fridge where medications are 

stored? All food and drink for consumption must be stored 

in a separate fridge. 

… that, as a designated manager, you are responsible 

for ensuring that all stock in the pharmacy, dispensary 

and front shop, is checked regularly for expiry dates? 

… that maintenance of the pharmacy is important and 

can affect how the public perceives the professionalism 

of the pharmacist? If the dispensary and front shop 

are cluttered, messy and disorganized, this could lead to 

health and safety issues, as well as increasing the potential 

for dispensing errors. Refer to the article, “Maintaining 

a Professional Workplace Environment” in the January/ 

February 2007 <strong>Pharmacy</strong> Connection. 

…that plans for building a pharmacy within a medical 

clinic must allow for a physically separate space between 

the dispensary and the clinic? The square footage 

of the medical clinic is NOT included in the total square 

footage of the pharmacy. Only the portion of the premises 

which contains the dispensary (within the enclosure) 

will be considered. The space must be continuous and 

inaccessible to anyone other than dispensary staff. Please 

refer to Guidelines for Subdivided Pharmacies on the OCP 

website. 

April 25, 2010 


practice Q&A 

Shakti Sawh 

Practice Advisory Officer 

Can “Request for Refill” or “Re-authorization” 

Q forms be considered new prescriptions? Can 

these forms be used for narcotics, controlled 

substances and non-narcotics? 

Provided that there are no changes to the information on 

the form, and that the form is signed and dated by the 

prescriber, they may be considered as a new prescription. 

This also applies to narcotics, controlled substances and 

non-narcotics. 

Reminder: a “controlled substance” is defined in the Controlled 

Drug and Substances Act (CDSA), and refers to 

any substance listed in Schedules I, II, III, IV and V of the 

Act. These schedules include controlled drugs, narcotics, 

benzodiazepines and targeted substances. Once signed 

and dated, the information on the form meets all of the 

requirements of a new prescription. 

Q 

Is there a difference between the classes of drugs 

which Chiropodists and Podiatrists can prescribe? 

The College of Chiropodists of Ontario regulates both 

Chiropodists and Podiatrists. A chiropody and podiatry 

class member holding a general of academic class certificate 

of registration may prescribe a drug set out in 

Schedule 2 or Schedule 3 respectively to this regulation, 

if the member complies with their standards of practice. 

Use the web link below to access the Chiropody Act, 

which identifies the specific drugs within each category 

stated below. 

http://www.e-laws.gov.on.ca/html/regs/english/elaws_ 

regs_940203_e.htm. For more information, refer to the 

College of Chiropodists of Ontario, http://www.cocoo. 

on.ca/. 

Regulation 203/94 made under the Chiropody Act, 1991 

Last amendment 338/08, September 26th 2008 

Prescribing Scope of Chiropodists 

Schedule 2 of Chiropody Act 

Prescribing Scope of Podiatrists 

Schedule 3 of Chiropody Act 

antibiotics for topical use 

antifungal for topical use 

analgesics for topical use 

astringents for topical use 

corticosteroids for topical use 

caustics for topical use 

immune response modifiers for topical use 

wound healing agents/dressings for topical use 

antibiotics for oral use 

NSAIDS for oral use 

antibiotics for topical use 

antifungal for topical use 

analgesics for topical use 

astringents for topical use 

corticosteroids for topical use 

caustics for topical use 

immune response modifiers for topical use 

wound healing agents/dressings for topical use 

antibiotics for oral use 

NSAIDS for oral use 

anxiolytics for oral use 


21

fairness commissioner 

Focus on 

Registration 

College’s annual report to the Fairness Commissioner 

highlights accessible information and consultation 

for registrants. 

In accordance with the Fair Access to Regulated Professions 

Act and the Regulated Health Professions Act, 

Ontario’s Office of the Fairness Commissioner exists 

to require certain professions to review registration practices, 

submit reports about them and undergo compliance 

audits to ensure that registration is fair for all applicants. 

In accordance with the College’s annual requirement to 

do so, OCP recently submitted the 2009 Fair Registration 

Practices Report. 

Highlights of the 2009 Report: 

In general, OCP’s Registration information is accessible 

and nimble: 

• The Registration Program staff are responsible for 

updating the licensing portion of the website and ensuring 

it is current, accurate and presented in a user 

friendly manner. Changes to the information are made 

if a requirement changes or when improvements are 

identified based on questions and feedback received 

by the College from applicants, members or other 

stakeholders. 

• OCP has a robust series of information sessions for 

international pharmacy graduates (IPGs) who are just 

beginning the registration process or considering registration 

in Ontario. The College reported on the two 

live presentations that were held in 2009 in conjunction 

with staff from Health Force Ontario(HFO), the 

International <strong>Pharmacy</strong> Graduate (IPG) Program and 

the <strong>Pharmacy</strong> Examining Board of Canada. At the 

session, attendees receive handouts that are updated 

from feedback from previous participants. Questions 

and answers in both a group and individual setting are 

also provided. 

• The College’s Client Services department is able 

to answer phone calls and e-mails during business 

hours. Each day, a Client Services staff member 

available to meet with individuals for walk-in or 

scheduled appointments at the College office. These 

staff members are trained to address questions about 

the registration requirements and process or to process 

applications. 

• Registration fees for international graduates are the 

same as domestic graduates. 

• The average time to complete registration does not 

differ greatly from domestic graduates, but timings of 

the required examinations play a part in the timing of 

the process. 

• The top five countries from which International <strong>Pharmacy</strong> 

graduates originate are Egypt, India, Philippines, 

Pakistan and the U.K. 

The full report to the Fairness Commissioner is available 

on OCP’s website at www.ocpinfo.com and search 

“reports and statistics” 


OCP Registration – some highlights 

• Over the past five years, there has been a 12 per cent 

increase in the number of pharmacists licensed in 

Ontario 

• In 2009, consistent with past years, 30 per cent of 

licensed pharmacists were internationally-trained 

• Over the past five years, OCP has seen a 40 per cent 

increase in the total amount of registered students 

and interns 

• Of this number, there has been a 55 per cent increase 

in Canadian registered students and interns primarily 

due to increased enrolment at the University of Toronto 

and the opening of a new program at the University 

of Waterloo 

International <strong>Pharmacy</strong> 

Graduate Program – 

a great resource for 

international graduates 

Over the past ten years, more than 525 

international pharmacists and students have taken 

advantage of the International <strong>Pharmacy</strong> Graduate 

Program (IPG) at the University of Toronto. 

A unique “best practices” bridging program, the 

IPG program is designed to assist pharmacists 

trained in countries outside Canada and 

international graduates to meet Canadian entry-topractice 

standards. The university-based curriculum 

means graduates have access to practical courses 

delivered by an experienced faculty. 

The IPG Program is comprised of two modules: 

Canadian <strong>Pharmacy</strong> Skills (CPS) I and II. Drawing 

upon material from courses offered in the 

undergraduate program, the content provides 

enculturation to Canadian pharmacy practice and 

training for entry-level competence. Therapeutics, 

law, practice management, pharmaceutical care, 

drug information and the Canadian health care 

system are just a few of the content areas covered. 

Students also gain critical language, workplace, and 

practice skills necessary for licensure in Canada. 

The IPG program boats a 92% success rate in 

licensing examinations. 

Various links to the IPG Program website are 

available from the College’s website. 


23

egistration Q&A 

Susan James, BScOT, MPA 

Manager, Registration Programs 

QI have heard that the OCP Pharmaceutical 

Jurisprudence Exam is changing from having a 

four year expiry date to a three year expiry date. Is 

that true and when would the change happen? 

Yes this is true. The proposed Registration Regulation 

(available on the OCP website) states that when an applicant 

applies to become a pharmacist they must have 

successfully completed the jurisprudence exam within 

three years of when they have met all of the other requirements 

for the issuance of a certificate of registration. This 

requirement also applies to the jurisprudence exam for 

pharmacy technicians. 

The shift from four years to three years for currency 

of the exam is due to the frequency with which the laws 

affecting pharmacy practice have been changing. For 

example, over the last couple years there have been significant 

changes to the Regulated Health Professions Act, 

the Drug and Pharmacies Regulation Act, the <strong>Pharmacy</strong> 

Act and the regulations under each of these Acts; and 

more changes to these regulations are anticipated over 

the next few years. 

This change in the currency of the exam will occur 

when the proposed Registration Regulation takes effect. 

The regulation is currently in the final stage of approval 

with the government and while we cannot predict exactly 

when it will be approved, we do expect it will be within 

the next few months (by fall 2010). It is therefore important 

to consider if you will be able to complete all of 

the registration requirements to become a pharmacist (or 

pharmacy technician) within three years of completing the 

jurisprudence exam. 

QIs it true that the government provides bursaries 

for students attending the International 

<strong>Pharmacy</strong> Graduate (IPG) program at the University of 

Toronto? 

Yes. As stated on the Ministry of Training, Colleges and 

Universities website (at http://www.edu.gov.on.ca/eng/ 

tcu/adultlearning/faqs.html) “The Ontario Bridging Participant 

Assistance Program (OBPAP) provides bursaries 

of up to $5,000 to cover direct education costs (tuition, 

books and equipment) for participants attending non- 

OSAP approved, Ministry of Citizenship and Immigration 

(MCI) funded bridge training programs offered by Ontario 

colleges or universities”. 

The IPG program at U of T is one of the approved 

programs under this new bursary program. Individuals 

currently registered in the program or who plan to register 

in the program before March 31, 2011 should request an 

application for the bursary from the Financial Aid Office 

of the university or speak with the program administrator 

of the IPG program. Funding is based on student financial 

need, as defined by the policies of the university. This is 

currently a pilot program and it is not known if funding 

will continue beyond the above date. More information 

is available on the Ministry website. 


spt Q&A 

Deanna Yee, R.Ph., BScPhm, MSc 

Registration Advisor 

QWhy doesn’t the OCP give us the references to 

complete each activity in the SPT program? 

The Structured Practical Training (SPT) activities are 

designed to standardize the studentship or internship 

rotation. The experiential nature of the training is structured 

by the activities. By completing the activities in a 

pharmacy practice site where you will be providing patient 

care, you will have opportunities throughout your 

rotation to demonstrate the competencies for which you 

will be assessed by your preceptor. Finding information 

from appropriate references is a competency itself, and 

an activity that you will likely repeat throughout your 

pharmacy career. 

The fourth entry-to-practice competency developed 

by NAPRA (the National Association of <strong>Pharmacy</strong> 

Regulatory Authorities), Drug, Therapeutic and Practice 

Information, states that “Pharmacists assume responsibility 

for accessing, retrieving, evaluating and exchanging 

relevant information to ensure safe and effective patient 

care.” Three of the elements for this competency that 

pharmacists are expected to demonstrate at entry-topractice 

are the ability to: 

4.2 Identify appropriate sources of relevant information, 

using evidence-informed approaches where possible. 

4.3 Retrieve information from relevant sources. 

4.4 Evaluate scientific information. 

Providing references to complete the activities would 

not allow you to demonstrate to your preceptor or the 

OCP your competency in this area. 

QSome of the activities in the program seem so 

easy. Why? 

The SPT activities are designed to provide opportunities 

for you to demonstrate to your preceptor all of the 

NAPRA entry-to-practice competencies. The SPT 

studentship activities and internship activities are the 

same for all students and interns, respectively, regardless 

of your place of graduation or previous work experience. 

Since knowledge and skills differ among students or interns 

based on their education and previous training, 

the ease with which they complete an activity will also 

differ. For this reason a standardized, comprehensive 

competency-based assessment is required. For example, 

students and interns who have worked extensively as a 

pharmacy assistant or as a pharmacist in another country 

may be able to demonstrate some of the competency 

elements in the Drug Distribution and Management 

Knowledge and Skills competencies earlier in the rotation. 

The flexibility of scheduling activities within the 

SPT studentship or internship program enables the student 

or intern to demonstrate the competencies he/she 

is familiar with early in the rotation, while placing greater 

focus on the remaining competencies for the rest of the 

rotation. 

QWhat is the purpose of a reflection in the SPT 

activities? 

Many of the activities require you to complete a task, 

develop a process or manage a situation that is likely 

to be new to you. Since it is highly unlikely that you 

would master an activity after one attempt, considering 

what you did well and what you would change the 

next time you are faced with a similar activity allows 

you to continuously improve your skills. This ability to 

critique yourself to discern your strengths and areas 

for improvement will be applicable throughout your 

pharmacy career as you engage in self-directed learning. 

When asked to complete a reflection for an SPT activity, 

your documentation should focus on your strengths 

and areas for improvement rather than simply summarizing 

what you did. 


25

ulletin board 

The College would like to extend their best wishes to the 

following staff as they move on to new adventures outside 

of the College: Kaiva Sukse, Administrative Services 

Clerk; Pauline Rosenbaum, Discipline Case Coordinator; 

Carla Babb, Business Analyst/Project Manager and 

Shelliann Sterling, Receptionist. 

We welcome the following new staff members: 

Tina Perlman has been hired as the newest member 

of the College’s management team in the role of Manager, 

<strong>Pharmacy</strong> Practice Programs. Tina is an Ontario 

pharmacy graduate with a long history of serving the 

profession of pharmacy through membership and leadership 

on local and provincial committees and boards, and 

most recently served as Chair of the Board of Directors, 

Ontario Pharmacists’ Association. She has practiced in 

a variety of community pharmacies as well as consulting 

and facilitating pharmacy practice independently. She 

was most recently involved in several projects such as 

the Narcotic Advisory Panel (MOHLTC) and the Prescription 

Tracking Working Group (CPSO). 

Barbara Cadotte has recently joined the College as 

Senior Policy Advisor. Barbara has worked in several positions 

at the Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care, 

most recently with the Assistive Devices Program and 

has extensive experience in the field of mental health and 

primary health care. Barbara holds a degree in Communications 

and a Masters degree in Health Administration 

(Health Policy) and recently achieved her Certified Health 

Executive designation. 

Anna Amin has joined the College as Complaints Officer 

in the Investigations and Resolutions department. 

Anna is a <strong>Pharmacy</strong> Technician enrolled in the bridging 

program at Sheridan College and is also a member of 

Sheridan’s Advisory Board for <strong>Pharmacy</strong> <strong>Technicians</strong>. 

She comes to us from Loblaw Companies Limited where 

she worked as the Senior Coordinator, Managed Care 

and has extensive experience in drug insurance claims 

and remittance. 

Sarah de Sousa has been hired as the Meeting and Events 

Services Clerk with Facilities and Office Services. Sarah 

brings several years of progressive customer service and 

administrative experience to the College. She has an educational 

background in Community and Justice Services. 

Donna Ortolan recently joined the College as Receptionist. 

Donna brings a number of years of reception and 

administrative experience to the role, most recently in the 

insurance industry with a small brokerage firm. 

Patti Clayton has been promoted to the role of Investigator 

in the Investigations and Resolutions department. Patti 

has been with the College since 2004 as the Complaints 

Officer and has over 24 years experience in pharmacy. 

Announcements 

2010 Innovation Award 

In March, the University of Waterloo School of <strong>Pharmacy</strong> 

was honoured with the 2010 Innovation Award 

by the Greater Kitchener-Waterloo Chamber of Commerce. 

The award recognizes creativity and innovation 

in products or processes by an outstanding organization. 

Waterloo <strong>Pharmacy</strong> was noted for creating the institution, 

and the campus, of the future – built on partnerships, 

dynamic and flexible, and engaged with community on 

multiple levels. Judges noted the school’s co-op experiential 

model, personalized student selection process, and 

community outreach activities. “To be recognized for innovation 

in a region like ours, and with such competitors, 

is a tremendous honour,” said Laura Manning director of 

advancement at the school. 

University of Toronto 8T0 <strong>Pharmacy</strong> Reunion 

Yes, hard to believe but it has been 30 years!!! 

When: September 10-12, 2010 

Where: Eganridge Inn & Spa, Fenelon Falls, 

http://www.eganridge.com/rates.shtml 

Book now 1-888-452-5111 

For more info contact: 

Sue Gates - sgates@isys.ca 

Tina Perlman - tinaperlman@me.com 


update on technology 

In every issue of <strong>Pharmacy</strong> Connection, we report to you 

some of the ways the College embraces technology to 

improve and refine our everyday processes, eliminating 

unnecessary paper-based transactions. 

Here is the latest update on OCP technology projects: 

Add us to your e-mail list 

As we continue to grow our e-mail based communications 

to members, it is important to add OCP as a trusted mail 

recipient. This will ensure that correspondence we send— 

especially time-sensitive material such as fee notices—does 

not end up in your junk e-mail, costing you unnecessary late 

penalties. Simply add Ontario_College_of_Pharmacists@ 

xmr3.com to your address book. 

Electronic Elections are 

almost here 

Last issue, we reported on our plan to move forward with 

an exclusively web-based voting system. This is especially 

important given that the new boundaries will make our 

electoral districts significantly larger. See page 13 for details 

on the call for nominations and our new electronic system. 

Wallet Cards – We Heard You! 

In the last Technology Update, we reported a plan to phase 

out wallet cards given that the on-line public register 

provides up-to-date information about the status of a 

pharmacist or pharmacy. However, we heard from you. 

Many members expressed the need for a physical wallet 

card as a means of identification. Given this demand, the 

College will provide a printable wallet card with electronic 

receipts each year that can easily be printed on any home 

printer. More information to come. 

<strong>Pharmacy</strong> Connection In Brief 

and Online 

If the College has your e-mail address, you will have 

already received <strong>Pharmacy</strong> Connection In Brief —a 

preview version that arrives by e-mail, with easy access to 

the complete publication. Many members have opted to 

forgo receiving the print copy in favour of the electronic 

version and we encourage more of you to take on this 

green initiative. Watch for a notice on how to opt-out 

of your print copy with the next version of <strong>Pharmacy</strong> 

Connection In Brief. 


27

deciding on discipline 

Case 1 

Submitting forged prescription 

slips 

Member: Darcy Hallett 

Hearing date: March 5, 2010 

Facts 

This case proceeded by way of 

Agreed Statement of Facts and Joint 

Submission on Penalty. 

The Member pled guilty to one allegation 

of professional misconduct 

in that he engaged in conduct or performed 

an act relevant to the practice 

of pharmacy that, having regard to all 

the circumstances, would reasonably 

be regarded by members of the profession 

as disgraceful, dishonourable 

or unprofessional with respect to the 

presentation of fraudulent prescription 

slips written by the Member. 

The Member was on medical leave 

from his employment when he presented 

four forged prescription slips to 

<strong>Pharmacy</strong> M. Each of the forged prescriptions 

named the Member as the 

patient, and Dr. K as the prescribing 

physician. Each of the forged prescriptions 

contained what purported 

to be Dr. K’s signature. 

The Member admitted that he 

personally forged each of the forged 

prescriptions. None of the medications 

listed in those prescriptions were 

authorized by a prescribing physician. 

Dr. K was not the Member’s 

physician. 

The Member has no prior disciplinary 

history. A forensic psychiatrist 

provided a report indicating that the 

Member’s offence was in the context 

of severe pain and a major depression, 

and that the Member was at no risk 

to reoffend. Criminal charges against 

the Member relating to the forged 

prescriptions were resolved with an 

absolute discharge. 

Decision and Reasons 

The Panel acknowledged the Member’s 

difficult circumstances but 

stated that personal hardship is never 

an excuse or justification for engaging 

in professional misconduct. Regardless 

of one’s personal circumstances 

or health condition, compliance with 

standards of practice and protection 

of the public remains of paramount 

concern. In this case, the Member 

was also the public. In forging the 

four prescriptions, the Member 

committed a serious breach of ethics 

and placed himself at serious risk 

of harm. The Member did not have 

the authority to self-prescribe, nor 

does any healthcare professional, 

regardless of how sad their personal 

circumstances may be. The Member’s 

behaviour does constitute 

misconduct and must be addressed. 

The Panel accepted the Joint Submission 

on Penalty. 

Order 

1. A reprimand. 

2. Specified terms, conditions, or 

limitations on Mr. Hallett’s Certificate 

of Registration requiring 

him to complete successfully, 

at his own cost, the course and 

evaluation in Applied Ethics in 

<strong>Pharmacy</strong> Practice within twelve 

months of the date the Member 

is confirmed by a physician to be 

capable of returning to work as a 

practicing pharmacist. 

3. A suspension of Mr. Hallett’s certificate 

of registration for three 

months, with one month to be 

remitted on condition that the 

Member complete the remedial 

training exercise specified above. 

The period of suspension shall 

start on the date the Member is 

confirmed to be capable of returning 

to work. 

4. Costs to the College in the 

amount of $2,000, payable within 

sixty days of the date the Member 

is confirmed to be capable of 

returning to work. 

Reprimand 

It was clear that the Member had 

gone through a very difficult and 

emotional time and is now facing 

these challenges head on. However, 

this did not excuse his actions which 

reflect very poorly on the profession. 

As a member of the College, the 

Member was well aware of the laws 

and regulations regarding the prescribing 

of medications. He should have 

known better. The Panel noted that 

the Member had moved to correct his 

behaviours and hoped he continued to 

seek the help he required. The Panel 

wished the Member all the best in the 

future in the profession and hoped 

that he would not appear before the 

committee again. 

The full text of the Discipline 

Committee’s decision can be 

found by searching the database 

at www.canlii.org, under 

Ontario/Boards and Tribunals. 


focus on error prevention 

Ian Stewart, R.Ph., B.Sc.Phm 

Toronto Community Pharmacist 

Prescription Transfers 

When receiving a new prescription from a patient, the 

pharmacist carefully reviews all aspect of the prescription 

to ensure that the drug and dosage is appropriate. 

The patient’s medication profile is also used as a key tool 

to identify any change in drug therapy or potential prescribing 

error. Similarly, prescription transfers must be 

carefully reviewed for appropriateness. 

Case: 

A 55 year old patient has been taking Verapamil SR 180 mg 

once daily on a regular basis. One day while out of town, 

the patient needed an emergency supply of her tablets. 

She visited a local community pharmacy and made the 

request. The prescription for Verapamil SR 180 mg was 

therefore transferred from her regular pharmacy. 

On receiving the transfer, the pharmacy noticed that 

they did not have the Verapamil SR 180mg tablets in stock. 

In an effort to meet the urgent need of the patient, the 

pharmacist decided to dispense four Verapamil SR 240 

mg tablets with the instructions to take “half a tablet 

once daily”. That is, 120 mg daily instead of the 180 mg 

as prescribed. 

A few days later, the patient returned to her regular 

pharmacy and requested a refill of her Verapamil tablets. 

The pharmacy staff identified that the prescription had 

been transferred and contacted the out of town pharmacy 

to have the prescription transferred back. 

The pharmacy therefore transferred the Verapamil SR 

240mg tablets that were dispensed to the patient. Not being 

aware of what had previously transpired, her regular 

pharmacist processed and dispensed the Verapamil SR 

240 mg tablets instead of the originally prescribed 180 

mg SR tablets. Fortunately, the patient was aware of the 

prescribed dose and pointed out the error. 

Possible Contributing Factors 

• The patient forgot her medication at home and needed 

an emergency supply from a rural pharmacy that did not 

stock Verapamil SR 180 mg on a regular basis. 

• Being rural, the number of pharmacies available to the 

patient was likely limited. 

• The pharmacist at the rural pharmacy changed the patient’s 

dose and prescription record. 

• The dispensing pharmacist at her regular pharmacy, 

failed to identify the change in dose. 

Recommendations 

• If a drug is unavailable, consider referring patients to another 

pharmacy before making changes to the prescribed 

dose or drug. Consider contacting another pharmacist 

or your drug information service for a second opinion. 

• If a change must be made to the patient drug therapy, 

contact the patient’s physician at the earliest opportunity. 

• If a temporary change must be made, ensure that the 

record reflects a temporary change only. 

• Document fully the decisions made, actions taken and 

reasoning. 

• Review all prescription transfers carefully for appropriateness. 

If necessary, request a copy of the original 

prescription. 

• If available, use the patient medication profile as a tool 

to confirm that the prescription is appropriate and to 

identify any changes in drug therapy. 

Please continue to send reports of medication errors 

in confidence to Ian Stewart at: ian.stewart2@rogers. 

com . 


29

CE resources 

Visit the College’s website: www.ocpinfo.com for a complete listing of upcoming events and/or 

available resources. A number of the programs listed below are also suitable for pharmacy technicians. 

For local live CE events in your area, contact your regional CE coordinator by going to 

www.ocpinfo.com and serching on “Regional Coordinators” 

GTA 

May 14-16, 2010 

Cardiovascular Patient Care 

Ontario Pharmacists Association 

BMO Institute for Learning, 3550 

<strong>Pharmacy</strong> Avenue, Toronto 

Contact: Penny Young 

416-441-0788 ext. 2209, 

pyoung@dirc.ca 

www.opatoday.com/live.asp 

Tuesday, May 25, 2010 

Using Evidence in the Real World 

(live and webcast) 

Canadian Agency for Drugs and 

Technologies in Health (CADTH) 

Register by May 18, 2010 

events@cadth.ca 

June 9-11, 2010 

OSCE-ology 

Leslie Dan Faculty of <strong>Pharmacy</strong>, 

University of Toronto 

Contact: Ryan Keay 416-978-7562 

http://cpd.phm.utoronto.ca/osceology.html 

June 17-19, 2010 


(OPA) Conference 2010 

Niagara Falls 


416-441-0788 ext. 2209, 


www.opatoday.com 

June 24, 2010 

Root Course Analysis Workshop 

for Pharmacists 

Institute for Safe Medication Practices 

Canada (ISMP) 

Toronto 

Contact: cho@ismp-canada.org 

November 14-16, 26-28, 2010 

Certified Geriatric Pharmacist 

Preparation Course - Part 1 & 2 


BMO Institute for Learning, 3550 

<strong>Pharmacy</strong> Avenue, Toronto 


416-441-0788 ext. 2209, 


www.opatoday.com/CE_Geritric- 

PC2010.asp 

NATIONAL 

May 15 - 18, 2010 

Annual National Conference 

Canadian Pharmacists Association 

(CPhA) 

Telus Convention Centre & the 

Hyatt Regency Hotel 

Calgary, AB 

www.pharmacists.ca/function/ 

meetings/index.cfm 

June 17 – 19, 2010 

Interventional Cardiology 

Symposium 

Montreal Heart Institute 

Historic Centaur Centre 

Montreal, PQ 

http://mhi.interv.org 

August 7 – 10, 2010 

Summer Educational Sessions (formerly 

AGM) 

Canadian Society of Hospital Pharmacists 

(CSHP) 

Marriott Halifax Harbourfront 

Halifax, Nova Scotia 

www.cshp-ns.com/ 

ON-LINE/ WEBINARS 

www.camh.net/education/ 

Online_courses_webinars/odt_certificate_program.html 

On-line courses with live workshops 

in subjects including mental health, 

opioid dependence, substance 

abuse, addiction, withdrawal,legal 

issues(various dates). 

Canadian Association for Mental 

Health (CAMH) 

www.opatoday.com/web.asp 

Vitamin D in Osteoporosis 

Drug Information and Research 

Centre (DIRC) 

www.opacti.org 

Online Clinical Tobacco Interventions 

for Health Care Professionals 

www.canadianhealthcarenetwork.ca 

On-line CE lessons 

www.rxbriefcase.com 

On-line CE lessons 

http://cpha.learning.mediresource. 

com/select_catalog.asp 

CE lessons on the CPhA Home 

Study Online Learning Centre 


laws & regulations 

Drug and Pharmacies Regulation Act (DPRA) * s 

December 15, 2009 

Regulations to the DPRA: 

Regulation 545 – Child Resistant Packages 

Regulation 297/96 Amended to O.Reg. 173/08 

Regulation 551 Amended to O.Reg. 172/08 

Drug Schedules ** 

Summary of Laws 

June 2007 OCP 

National Drug Schedules (NAPRA) 

March 17, 2010 (or later) 

NDSAC Meeting – June 2010 

Request for Unscheduled status for polyethylene glycol 3350 

indicated for occasional constipation 

Scheduling status finalized by NDSAC – April 2010 

Diclofenac diethylamine in preparations for topical use on the skin 

in concentrations of not more than the equivalent of 1% diclofenac 

– Unscheduled (from Schedule III). Final approval of the initial 

recommendation was made by NAPRA’s Executive Committee, in 

consideration of comments received during the 30-day review period. 

The National Drug Schedules will be revised accordingly. 

Regulated Health Professions Act (RHPA) * s 


Regulations to the RHPA: 

Regulation 39/02 - Amended to O.Reg. 666/05 

Regulation 107/96 – Amended to O.Reg. 97/10 

Regulation 59/94 – Funding for Therapy or Counseling for Patients 

Sexually Abused by Members 

<strong>Pharmacy</strong> Act (PA) & Regulations * s 


Regulations to the PA: 



Standards of Practice s 

Model Standards of Pratice, effective January 1, 2010 

Standards of Practice for Pharmacists, 2003 

Standards of Practice for <strong>Pharmacy</strong> Managers, 2005 

Standards for Pharmacists Providing Services to Licensed 

LTC Facilities, 2007. 

Drug Interchangeability and Dispensing Fee Act (DIDFA) 

& Regulations * s 

June 2007 

Regulations to the DIDFA: 



Ontario Drug Benefit Act (ODBA) & Regulations * s 

March 15, 2010 

Regulations to the ODBA: 


Controlled Drugs and Substances Act (CDSA) & 

Regulations ** ' 

Act current to March 31, 2010 

All regulations current to March 31, 2010 

Benzodiazepines and Other Targeted Substances Regulations 

Marihuana Medical Access Regulations 

Narcotic Control Regulations 

Precursor Control Regulations 

Regulations Exempting Certain Precursors and Controlled Substances 

from the Application of the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act 

Food and Drugs Act (FDA) & Regulations ** ' 

Act current to March 31, 2010 

All regulations current to March 31, 2010 

Cosmetic Regulations 

Food and Drug Regulations 

Marijuana Exemption (FDA) Regulations 

Medical Devices Regulations 

Natural Health Products Regulations 

Processing and Distribution of Semen for Assisted Conception 

Regulations 

Safety of Human Cells, Tissues and organs for transplantation 

Regulations 

To Schedule F: Pre-notifications 

Project #1621 Addition of Dirlotapide, Firocoxib, Ibafloxacin and 

Maripotant and its salts (Feb 2010) 

Project #1624 Addition of Eculizumab, Olmesartan medoxomil, 

Romiplostim, Ustekinumab (Jan 2010) 

Project #1652 Notice of Intent to Amend Schedule F (L-asparaginase) 

(Dec 2009) 

Project #1659 Addition of Dronedarone (Dec 2009) 

Project #1659 Addition of Medicinal Degarelix (Dec 2009) 

Project #1659 Addition of Clofarabine (Dec 2009) 

Project #1659 Addition of Ingredient Azacitidine (Dec 2009) 

Project #1659 Addition of Urokinase (Dec 2009) 

Project #1658 Addition of Doripenem and its salts and derivatives 

(Dec 2009) 

Project #1658 Addition of Besifloxacin and its salts (Dec 2009) 

Project #1658 Addition of Alitretinoin and its salts and derivatives 

(Dec 2009) 

Project #1658 Addition of Saxagliptin and its salts (Dec 2009) 

OCP By-Law No. 2 – March 2010 s 

OCP By-Laws – December 2006 

Schedule A: Code of Ethics for members 

Schedule B: “Code of Conduct” and Procedures for Council and 

Committee members. 

Reference s 

OCP Required Reference Guide for Pharmacies in 

Ontario, January 2010 

* Information available at Publications Ontario (416) 326-5300 or 1-800-668-9938 www.e-laws.gov.on.ca 

** Information available at www.napra.org 

' Information available at Federal Publications Inc. Ottawa: 1-888-4FEDPUB (1-888-433-3782) 

Toronto: Tel: (416) 860-1611 • Fax: (416) 860-1608 • e-mail: info@fedpubs.com 

s Information available at www.ocpinfo.com 


31

Follow us on Twitter and subscribe to our RSS Feed! 

The College is incorporating some social media tools into its daily activities. You can now follow OCPinfo 

on Twitter and through RSS feeds. What does this mean? You will be able to receive updates to the latest 

news, Continuing Education information and Health Canada Advisories directly through our site. Go to 

www.ocpinfo.com and click on the Twitter or RSS feed at the bottom left of the page for more information. 

Please note that this service does not replace your receipt of e-blasts for important member information. 

Volume 17, Number 3

Pharmacy Technicians on the Road to Regulation Focus on ...

You also want an ePaper? Increase the reach of your titles

Delete template?

Save as template?