ReadLinks

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

Guest Post: Pharmacist Facilitators contribute to patient safety

I read Bob Nakagawa’s recent post commenting on change in our profession and how our job description has changed over the years. As one of the pharmacy graduates from the class of ‘86, I also remember making powders in the dispensing lab.

Guest Post: Pharmacists working together – a priority for patients

Patients benefit when pharmacists work together. Increased pharmacist collaboration results in improved patient health outcomes, patient satisfaction and patient trust in their healthcare team. Lack of collaboration results in patient frustration, confusion and sub-optimal outcomes.

PRP Insights: Scheduling and Preparing for your Community Pharmacy Practice Review

Did you know the College has conducted over 650 pharmacy reviews and 2100 Pharmacy Professionals Reviews in community practice since the Practice Review Program launched? As Compliance Officers continue to conduct practice reviews at community pharmacies, the College has received numerous questions regarding how to best prepare.

New PODSA Ownership Requirements: Reporting Changes of Pharmacy Managers and Personnel

Like all businesses, staff of a licensed pharmacy may come and go. These changes are required to be reported to the College in accordance with the Pharmacy Operations and Drug Scheduling Act, the Pharmacy Operations General Regulation, and the College’s bylaws.

Failing to Renew Registration - Implications on Pharmacy Licence

As stated in the most recent “What Went Wrong” article on Practising Without Registration or Required Certification, failing to renew your registration prior to your renewal date can have serious implications. Not only is it illegal to practise within the scope of a pharmacist or pharmacy technician without being a College registrant, you also would not have any professional liability coverage during the time period you are not registered.

Guest Post: Drug Shortages in British Columbia: Information for Pharmacists

Drug shortages happen, both nationally and internationally, for many reasons. Most are related to manufacturing, shortages of raw materials or distribution issues, but occasionally shortages occur because demand for a drug increases unexpectedly. Drug manufacturers are often limited in their abilities to adjust production quickly, especially for strictly controlled drugs like opioids or other narcotics, or for drugs manufactured through biological processes.

Registrar’s Message: Change is good!

Last month, I was honoured to be given the Alumni Agent of Change award by the Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences at UBC. As the recipient, I was asked to prepare a “TED style” presentation on my career and how I became an Agent of Change. I touched on several points that I think might be of interest to you, including the importance of mentorship, lessons from visionary leaders in pharmacy, how pharmacy has changed over the last 40 years, and my perspectives on these changes...

Guest Post: What Pharmacy Professionals Need to Know about the Take Home Naloxone Program

Over 85,000 Take Home Naloxone kits have been distributed across BC since 2012 through the Take Home Naloxone program operated by the BC Centre for Disease Control. In December 2017, the program was extended to community pharmacies to help provide more kits free-of-charge to people who use substances or are likely to witness an overdose.

Guest Post: .Pharmacy Domain Signals Safety on the Web

The National Association of Pharmacy Regulatory Authorities (NAPRA) in Canada continues to work with the National Association of Boards of Pharmacy (NABP) in America to verify applicant credentials for the .Pharmacy Verified Websites Program. The .Pharmacy Program enables qualified pharmacies and pharmacy-related businesses to register a domain name ending in the .pharmacy suffix. The .Pharmacy Program helps Canadian consumers seeking drug information and medications online to find a safe site – a daunting task, especially when online drug counterfeiters are so rampant.

What We Heard: FNHA Mental Health and Wellness Summit

This past February, The College was fortunate to be a part of the first Mental Health and Wellness Summit hosted by the First Nations Health Authority!

New PODSA Ownership Requirements: Reporting Changes of Ownership

Under the new Pharmacy Operations and Drug Scheduling Act (PODSA) Bylaws, changes to the ownership of a pharmacy, much like all changes to information provided during an initial licensure, must be reported to the College.