In order to update the current approach to registration and quality assurance, the College has submitted proposed amendments to Regulation 202/94 (under the Pharmacy Act) to the Ministry of Health. It is anticipated that the government will approve these in 2020.
The proposed amendments, which were originally drafted and posted for consultation in 2017, will allow for a more efficient registration process and an enhanced approach to quality assurance in the interest of patient health outcomes and safety. The most significant changes include:
- Elimination of the pharmacy student class of registration, as provisions in the Regulated Health Professions Act and the Drugs and Pharmacies Regulation Act will allow pharmacy students to practice to scope under supervision.
- Creation of an intern technician class of registration, who can practice to scope under supervision after graduation from a pharmacy technician program while completing the practice-based assessment and other registration requirements.
- Addition of pharmacy technicians to the two part register (Part A and Part B).
- Requirement to complete the education requirement, the PEBC Qualifying exam, the Jurisprudence exam and a practice-based assessment (PACE or SPT) within two years of an application to be registered as a pharmacist or pharmacy technician.
- Incorporation of pharmacy technicians into the quality assurance program.
- Replacement of the 600 hour practice requirement over three years with routine assessments of competence and a self-declaration of competence at annual renewal.
Once the amendments are approved by government, the College will provide further information and clarification for affected groups on any necessary actions.
For more information about the proposed amendments, including frequently asked questions addresses concerns related to being a student, graduate, registrant and supervisor, please visit the Upcoming Changes to the College’s Registration and Quality Assurance Regulations webpage.