PRIVACY
Q: I received a summons from another regulatory body requesting patient identifying information for an investigation. Is there any requirement on my part to obtain patient consent to release this confidential information?
Q: A police officer has requested information regarding a patient currently under investigation for fentanyl diversion and patch tampering. Can I provide this information?
CLOSING A PHARMACY
Q: I am closing my pharmacy and need to transfer patient files. However, I am uncertain of the rules pertaining to narcotics and controlled substances; would patients be required to get a brand new prescription for all narcotic and controlled medication, or is there a system in place for moving these items, recognizing that there are no "transfers" of narcotic and controlled substances, except benzodiazepines?
MOHLTC PROGRAMS (MedsCheck, Smoking Cessation, etc.)
Pharmacy Practice often receives questions about Ministry of Health and Long Term Care programs that are not administered by the College, for example, MedsCheck, Pharmaceutical Opinion Program, Smoking Cessation, the Universal Influenza Immunization Program, and the Narcotic Monitoring System. For Quick Links to the Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care Ontario Public Drug Programs, please see Quick Links to Ontario Public Drug Programs, MOHLTC. The following Frequently Asked Questions illustrate scenarios when it is necessary to contact an external resource.
Q: I’m a pharmacist practicing in Ontario. Is there a course I need to take to perform a Diabetes MedsCheck? Also, can my pharmacy student do a MedsCheck and sign the forms on his own?
Q: I have a question regarding the Smoking Cessation Program. Are pharmacists required to take a smoking cessation training program or special course? If so, which specific programs will qualify?