On October 1, 2024, changes were made to the College’s Quality Assurance processes. Here are three key things to know about these changes.
All Part A registrants must self-declare that they are competent to provide patient care
During the College’s annual renewal process, all registrants who provide patient care – Part A pharmacists and Part A pharmacy technicians – will be required to make a self-declaration of competency. The self-declaration will consist of a statement of competence and an affirmation of requirements. More details on how to complete the self-declaration will be provided during the annual renewal process.
The self-declaration – along with the requirement to participate in Quality Assurance Program activities when selected – replaces the requirement for Part A registrants to practice 600 hours within three years.
Part A pharmacy technicians must participate in the Quality Assurance Program
Components of the Quality Assurance Program work together to optimize patient care and contribute to individual and system-wide continuous quality improvement.
All Part A registrants (provides patient care), including Part A pharmacy technicians, are required to participate in the Quality Assurance Program.
Elements of the Quality Assurance Program that Part A pharmacy technicians must complete are:
- Practice assessment: Evaluates the processes used to deliver patient care in a registrant’s place of practice through feedback and discussion with a College practice advisor. Must be completed when selected by the College.
- Self-assessment: A tool that assists registrants in identifying their learning needs and creating a plan to meet those needs. It supports ongoing competency and can help registrants advance professionally.
- Learning portfolio: Supports ongoing development and helps pharmacy professionals reflect on learnings from other Quality Assurance Program activities. The Learning Portfolio should be kept up to date by the registrant as a record of their continuous professional development.
Selection to participate in the Quality Assurance Program is based on risk
As of October 1, 2024, the College will have the authority to select Part A registrants to participate in the Quality Assurance Program based on risk rather than random selection. This will allow the Quality Assurance Program to focus on a risk-based, right-touch selection criteria. Risk factors may include the registrant’s workplace environment, the type of services they provide, their past conduct and previous outcomes on Quality Assurance Program activities.
Further details on how the College defines risk will be published to our website.