One of the ways the College fulfills its mandate to serve and protect the public is by developing and enforcing pharmacy standards, policies and guidelines and the Code of Ethics, which outline the professional obligations of pharmacists and pharmacy technicians. Alongside legislation, these documents create a framework for pharmacy professionals to practice independently, using their knowledge, skills and judgment.
The College provides access to Practice Consultants who support registrants in navigating this framework and, ultimately, providing safe and ethical patient care. The following FAQs outline what to expect when contacting Pharmacy Practice.
CAN YOU EXPLAIN WHAT A PRACTICE CONSULTANT CAN DO FOR ME?
WHAT IS THE BEST WAY TO REACH A PRACTICE CONSULTANT?
WHAT IF I HAVE AN URGENT QUESTION AND NEED TO SPEAK TO A PRACTICE CONSULTANT IMMEDIATELY?
DO PRACTICE CONSULTANTS HAVE ACCESS TO COLLEGE INFORMATION THAT THE PUBLIC DOES NOT?
DO PRACTICE CONSULTANTS RESPOND TO INQUIRIES FROM THE PUBLIC?
IS THE INFORMATION I GIVE TO OR RECEIVE FROM A PRACTICE CONSULTANT KEPT CONFIDENTIAL?
TOP FIVE INQUIRIES (THEMES) RECEIVED? BY THE PHARMACY PRACTICE TEAM IN 2018:
INQUIRIES FROM REGISTRANTS:
- Dispensing of controlled substances (methadone or buprenorphine/naloxone)
- Pharmacist scope of practice (particularly injections)
- Compounding (NAPRA Standards)
- Prescription authenticity prescriber authorization/transmission
- Recordkeeping and retention of documentation
INQUIRES FROM MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC:
- Professional/dispensing fees and practices
- Concerns about a specific prescription or situation
- Seeking verification of information or of a practice
- Requesting personal health information
- Pharmacy personnel scope of practice
Look for more information in the 2018 annual report to be published in April.