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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

Addition of Antiretroviral Therapies in PharmaNet

Effective May 4, 2020, the dispensing pharmacies for the BC Centre for Excellence in HIV/AIDs Drug Treatment Program (BC-CfE) will begin entering antiretroviral (ARV) prescriptions in PharmaNet.

Reminder of the Importance of Patient Identification and Counselling, Including for Deliveries

The College would like to remind pharmacists of the importance of positively identifying patients and ensuring that patients understand the medication they are taking and how to take it appropriately to optimize therapy, promote adherence and ensure safety.

Registrar's Message: We're in this Together

We are living in unprecedented times. As our health system continues to restructure itself in response to COVID-19, I want to take this opportunity to recognize all of BC’s pharmacy professionals for your unwavering commitment to the people of British Columbia.

Maintaining your Drug Administration Certification During the COVID-19 Pandemic

In order to maintain your drug administration certification, practising pharmacists must hold valid certificates in both first aid and cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR). However, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, in-person first aid and CPR courses are no longer available. As a result, some providers are extending certification expiry dates.

Joint Statement on the Unproven Therapies for COVID-19

As the COVID-19 global health pandemic continues to impact nearly every aspect of peoples’ professional and personal lives, health professionals are likely aware of online and social media-driven conversations about the use of anti-malarial, antibiotic and antiviral therapies to treat COVID-19 patients.

Guest Post: Acetaminophen vs. NSAIDs (Ibuprofen) during COVID-19 Pandemic

There has been various conflicting reports and information about ibuprofen and its effect on people suffering from COVID-19 symptoms. Early reports indicated NSAID drugs could worsen the effects of the virus.

BC’s COVID-19 Response - Self-Isolation Advice for Pharmacy Professionals and the Role of Pharmacy Managers

Provincial Health Officer, Dr. Bonnie Henry has issued an order providing criteria and guidance for exempting essential workers from the self-isolation requirements for people who have travelled outside of Canada and returned on or after March 12, 2020.

The order provides self-isolation guidance for essential workers who provide services that are considered critical to preserving life, health, public safety and basic societal functioning and who have been determined by the leadership of their organization to be critical for delivery these essential services.

BC’s COVID-19 Response - Pharmacists to Provide Prescription Refills and Emergency Supplies of Medication as Needed

On March 16, 2020, in a joint statement on B.C.’s COVID-19 response, Minister of Health, Adrian Dix and B.C. Provincial Health Officer, Dr. Bonnie Henry announced that patients will be able to obtain refills of their regular prescriptions at pharmacies in an effort to avoid non-essential physician visits and free doctors to treat COVID-19 cases.

Alert: Reported Phishing Scam Affecting Pharmacy Teams and Patients in British Columbia.

The College has received multiple reports from community pharmacies in BC of a phishing scam targeting patients for their personal information.

Amendments to PPP-68 Cold Chain Management Now in Effect

Amendments to Professional Practice Policy 68 – Cold Chain Management of Biologicals (PPP-68), including broadening its scope and renaming it PPP-68 – Cold Chain Management, were approved by the College Board at its February 2020 meeting, and are now in effect

Proposed Changes to Health Professional Regulation In BC

On November 27, 2019, the Honourable Adrian Dix, minister of health, announced proposed changes to the regulation of BC’s health professions, with a focus on increasing transparency and patient safety.