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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

PRIME - All Existing PharmaNet Users Must Enrol

All existing PharmaNet users, including registered pharmacists and pharmacy technicians, must enrol in PRIME by August 31, 2023 in order to maintain their access to PharmaNet.

New PHO Order Authorizes Pharmacy Technicians to Provide COVID-19 Vaccines

As part of BC’s ongoing response to COVID-19, on January 9, 2022, Provincial Health Officer, Dr. Bonnie Henry issued an Order allowing a number of health professionals, including pharmacy technicians, to perform COVID-19 immunization activities with specific limits and mandatory training.

New Procedures for Harm Reduction Prescriptions

The following information has been adapted from the BC PharmaCare Newsletter Edition 22-001, published on January 05, 2022.

Prescribers and pharmacists are asked to add “SA” (safer alternative) to prescriptions and PharmaNet entries for prescribed harm reduction drugs. This will improve data for safer supply programs and identify unintended risks or harms. Prescribed harm reduction drug options are outlined in the Risk Mitigation Interim Clinical Guidance, the Opioid Use Disorder Practice Update, and the Access to Prescribed Safer Supply Policy

Amendment to the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act and the Narcotic Control Regulations

The Office of Controlled Substances (OCS) would like to remind Pharmacy Regulatory Authorities (PRA) that as of March 31, 2022, tramadol will be removed from the Prescription Drug List (PDL) and listed in Schedule I of the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act (CDSA). Tramadol will also be listed as item 19 in the Schedule of the Narcotic Control Regulations (NCR) and therefore subject to all the regulatory requirements set out in the CDSA and NCR. Controlling tramadol will strengthen Health Canada's oversight of legitimate activities with this substance, and facilitate detection and prevention of diversion.

Guest Post: Research Participation Opportunity for Community Pharmacists in Lower Mainland

Adverse drug events, the unintended and harmful outcomes of medication use, are a leading cause of emergency department visits and hospital admissions. Approximately 30% are repeat events, meaning the patient was re-exposed to a medication that previously caused harm. Gaps in communication between acute and community-based care providers exacerbate this problem.

We want to ensure that community pharmacists receive the right adverse drug event alert at the right time. We want to hear your opinions about how the alerts look, if they are easy to understand, and what you would do when presented with certain types of alerts

Jurisprudence Exam Modernization Project

The Jurisprudence Exam (JE) Modernization Project is now almost complete. The final phase of the Exam Development Process will be conducted after the February 2022 examination.

Because of this work, results for all 2022 JE sittings will be released approximately two months after the exam date. A new exam blueprint and updates to the JE Information Guide will be made available soon.

Providing Care for OAT and iOAT Patients Over The Winter Holidays

With the winter holidays approaching and many pharmacies adopting holiday hours, as well as adjusting to the challenges posed by the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, it is important for pharmacists to ensure that they are able to accommodate the dosing schedules of patients receiving Opioid Agonist Treatment (OAT).

Completing Your Renewal, Registration or CE Over the Holidays?

The College Office will be closed from December 27, 2021 to January 3, 2022. This means College staff will not be available to help answer questions or provide technical support during this time.

If you are planning to submit your continuing education or complete your registration or pharmacy license renewal over the holidays, make sure you are prepared.

The College Receives Canada Award for Excellence

On November 4, 2021, the College received its Canada Award for Excellence – Gold Certification in the Excellence, Innovation and Wellness category.

Achieving Excellence Canada’s Gold Certification further establishes the College as a modern, relevant and progressive organization, which is able to continue to fulfill its duty to protect the public within an ever-changing provincial health landscape.

Heavy Rain Causes Floods and Landslides Across BC - Accessing Medications and Providing Continuity of Care

Heavy rain over the weekend and into Monday has caused significant flooding and mudslides across southern British Columbia, resulting in a number of evacuation orders as well as highway and road closures.

With thousands of residents under evacuations orders, and many communities currently under flood watch or flood warning, registrants are reminded that patients who have been displaced by an evacuation can visit a pharmacy to access an emergency supply of medications they may need.

Fee Schedule Amendments for Pharmacy Professionals in Effect November 2021

As approved by the Board, the College filed amendments to the Fee Schedules under the HPA Bylaws with the Ministry of Health, in accordance with the College’s 2021/2022 budget.