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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

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

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).

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.

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.