Transforming and Supporting Patient Care - Health Professions ...

78Chapter 3 - A New Drug Approvals Framework For OntarioIf HPRAC’s scope of practice review recommendations are implemented,all health professions will require their members to identify and practicewithin their individual scope of practice. Essentially, members would not beallowed to practice in areas where they are not competent, even if this iswithin the profession’s scope of practice. This rule would apply to new drugauthorities. Going forward, individual health professionals will be requiredto recognize and set their own limits.1. For many health professions, new professional misconduct regulationswill be needed to account for the new drug authorities. In this review,HPRAC found inconsistencies between health professions in draftingstyles and approaches. These will likely require updating to meet newstandards. As a result, HPRAC’s recommendations include proposals tostandardize professional misconduct regulations respecting drugauthorities, to improve consistency and clarity across all healthprofessions.2. In its review of interprofessional collaboration, HPRAC recommendsthat all health professions should be required to have mandatoryprofessional liability insurance. Colleges will need to determine theappropriate levels of insurance given any new drug authorities thatare approved.Other Issues for Considerationi. Is Oxygen a Drug?In Ontario, oxygen suppliers generally require a prescription or licensebefore selling oxygen to consumers. This is a prudent policy of themanufacturers, rather than an adherence to provincial and federal law.In Ontario, prescriptions are required for reimbursement from governmentprograms such as the Home Oxygen Program or third party insurers.Under the Food, Drug, and Cosmetics Act in the United States, oxygen is aprescription drug when it is used to improve breathing or is administeredby another person. It can be used without a prescription for emergencies.The major hazards with respect to oxygen involve flammability, transport,and storage.Because of the risks of transport and storage, and its use in emergencysituations and conscious sedation, HPRAC considers oxygen to be a drugfor the purposes of this review and includes it in the class of medical gasesor emergency medications.ii. Emergency Medication “Crash Carts”A number of health professions have requested the authority to haveemergency medication kits available to deal with unexpected in-clinicevents of various types during the course of their practice.HPRAC Critical Links January 2009