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PRP INSIGHTS: Common Non-Compliance for Prescription Adaptation

On August 1st, 2024, Professional Practice Policy -58 (PPP-58) was amended to give pharmacists a broader scope for adapting and renewing prescriptions.

This article explores some common areas of non-compliance noted by Compliance Officers when reviewing prescription adaptation services during pharmacy reviews.

PRP INSIGHTS: Expectations of Care Poster Display Requirements

Effective September 1st, 2024, bylaws are in effect that require pharmacies display the 'What You Can Expect from Your Pharmacy Visit' poster in its original, unmodified form. This poster was designed to enhance transparency and trust by clearly communicating the standards of care that the public can expect from their pharmacy team.

Nov 22, 2024

PRP INSIGHTS: Areas of Non-Compliance for Pharmacist Prescribing for Minor Ailments and Contraception (PPMAC) Part 2

Pharmacists in BC have been providing minor ailment and contraception prescribing services under PPMAC since June 2023. To ensure compliance with the regulatory standards that enable and govern this practice, Compliance Officers have been reviewing PPMAC services while conducting Community Pharmacy Practice Reviews since October 2023.

To improve compliance and awareness of the standards, a previous article was published that highlighted some early observations of non-compliance under the PPMAC framework. This article is a follow-up installment to share additional examples of non-compliance that have been observed by Compliance Officers.

Oct 24, 2024

Guest Post: Cefuroxime is a Safe Alternative for Penicillin Allergic Patients

In light of the increasing concern over antibiotic misuse, particularly the overprescription of clindamycin in dentistry, the BC Centre for Disease Control (BCCDC) and the UBC Therapeutics Initiative (TI) have collaborated to provide dentists with prescribing Portraits aimed at improving antibiotic use. Pharmacists and pharmacy technicians play an important role in determining the safety of alternative antibiotics and communicating with patients. Luckily, safe alternatives to clindamycin exist for patients with true penicillin allergies, including the beta-lactam antibiotic cefuroxime.

Aug 28, 2024

Articles

Registrar's Message: Condemning Anti-Asian Racism

It’s been 2 weeks since a tragic and unsettling act of violence took the lives of six Asian women in Atlanta. Even more recently, closer to home, I was appalled to see reports of two anti-Asian attacks against women in the Lower Mainland.

I stand alongside Asian Communities across the world who continue to experience this sort of violence and discrimination. I feel your pain, share your fears, and join you in solidarity as we confront the sad truth that anti-Asian racism is still a daily reality.

March is Fraud Prevention Month

March is Fraud Prevention Month and the College would like to remind registrants and the public of the importance of protecting themselves from fraudulent activities.

Participate in BC’s Immunization Campaign using the COVID-19 Emergency Health Provider Registry

To help support BC’s COVID-19 immunization strategy, the Emergency Health Provider Registry allows certain health professionals to register their interest in supporting the delivery of immunization-related activities in BC.

PHO Issues Updates to Order Authorizing Pharmacy Techs to Work in COVID-19 Immunization Clinics

As part of BC’s COVID-19 Immunization Plan, on March 14, 2021, Provincial Health Officer, Dr. Bonnie Henry issued an order allowing a number of health professions, including pharmacy technicians, to work in COVID-19 immunization clinics with appropriate training.

Guest Post: Pharmacists Promote Medication Safety Through Identifying and Reporting Adverse Drug Reactions

Clinical pharmacists Hans Haag, Charles Au, Amanda Driver, and Ming Chang celebrate Pharmacy Appreciation Month by highlighting the contributions of clinical pharmacists in the Emergency Department at Vancouver General Hospital.

PHO Order Authorizes Pharmacy Techs to work in COVID-19 immunization clinics

As part of BC’s Covid-19 Immunization Plan, the Provincial Health Officer has issued an order to allow a number of health professions, including pharmacy technicians, to work in COVID-19 immunization clinics with appropriate training.

Registrar's Message: Doing Our Part

2020 was an unforgettable year. As I reflect on the toll this virus has taken on our society, our country, and our province, as well as on our personal lives, one thing remains clear: each and every one of us must continue to do our part to help save the lives of those most vulnerable to this virus while we move towards immunization for all British Columbians.

UBC CPPD Pharmacy Update 2021 Conference

This year, UBC’s Continuing Pharmacy Professional Development (CPPD) celebrates its 32nd annual Update Conference. Due to our current times, the UBC Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences will offer this program virtually.

The virtual CPPD Conference will take place on Saturday, April 17, 2021 and will allow pharmacy professionals and all health care providers to enhance and update their knowledge and skills. In doing so, attendees will be able to improve patient care, medication management, and public safety.

Health Canada Safety Alert - Unauthorized injectables and other health products from Galena Pharm Inc. pharmacy may pose serious health risks

Health Canada is warning health care practitioners and patients that unauthorized health products prepared and sold by Galena Pharm Inc. pharmacy (4315 Canada Way, Burnaby, B.C.) may pose serious health risks. Health care practitioners and patients should stop administering or using them.

BC COVID-Therapeutics Memorandum - Colchicine for Treatment of Non-Hospitalized COVID-19 Patients

On January 27, 2021, the pre-print manuscript of the COLCORONA (colchicine) trial was released. Even though the study has not been officially published in a peer-reviewed journal, the BC COVID-19 Therapeutics Committee (CTC) has conducted an expedited review in order to provide appropriate guidance to prescribing clinicians. Based on these findings, the CTC recommends the following and will make updates as new data become available.

Forged Prescriptions - Be on Alert!

There has been a vast increase in the number and quality of forged prescriptions for controlled substances in pharmacy practice. With the advancements in technology and the increase in computer generated prescriptions, it is essential that registrants remain alert and vigilant in identifying the validity of prescriptions and ensuring that forged prescriptions are not dispensed to the public.

While this guidance applies to all prescriptions, whether narcotic, controlled, or otherwise, recently the College has noticed a large percentage of confirmed forged prescriptions specifically for ADDERALL.