We develop and amend our bylaws, policies and practice standards to protect public safety. We also consider, develop and recommend changes to pharmacy practice that are needed to increase public safety and improve patient outcomes.
The College applies best practices for developing regulatory requirements such as the concept of Right Touch Regulation. Right Touch Regulation means always asking what risk we are trying to regulate, being proportionate and targeted in regulating that risk or finding ways other than regulation to promote good practice and high-quality healthcare.
Modernizing our Bylaws under the Pharmacy Operations and Drug Scheduling Act
As part of our 2017-2019 Strategic Plan, the College is conducting a comprehensive review of the requirements under the Pharmacy Operations and Drug Scheduling Act (PODSA) Bylaws.
The College made significant progress towards this objective, including conducting stakeholder engagement, with the remaining work expected to be completed in the next fiscal year. The review and update of bylaws and policies also involves applying best practices for developing bylaws such as the concept of Right Touch Regulation.
New Pharmacy Ownership Requirements Came into Effect
On April 1, 2018, the College’s amendments to the Pharmacy Operations and Drug Scheduling Act Bylaws, which incorporate the new pharmacy ownership requirements approved by the Provincial Government in 2016, came into effect.
Electronic Record Keeping
The College developed new Electronic Record Keeping requirements which came into effect on November 13, 2018. Comprehensive recordkeeping is essential to safe and effective pharmacy practice. Well-kept records support the provision of safe services, continuity of care, and evidence-based care, as well as good professional practice and medication management.
Injectable Opioid Agonist Treatment
The College developed a new Professional Practice Policy-67 for Injectable Opioid Agonist Treatment (iOAT), as well as an accompanying Policy Guide for Injectable Hydromorphone Maintenance Treatment which came into effect in September 2018. These documents set out the requirements for the safe dispensing of injectable hydromorphone for the treatment of opioid use disorder.
New Opioid Agonist Treatment Training Requirements
New Opioid Agonist Treatment training requirements came into effect January 1, 2019.
With support from the Ministry of Health, the Ministry of Mental Health and Addictions, and Health Canada’s Substance Use and Addictions Program, and working closely with the First Nations Health Authority, the BC Pharmacy Association developed the Opioid Agonist Treatment Compliance And Management Program (OAT-CAMPP) as a tool to help registrants address the province’s current opioid crisis. The training program aligns with Professional Practice Policy-66 Opioid Agonist Treatment (PPP-66) and will replace the College’s current MMT training program.
Pharmacy Manager Education
The Board approved Professional Practice Policy-69: Community Pharmacy Manager Education (PPP-69), which came into effect on September 1, 2018. The new policy provides guidance to community pharmacy managers on complying with their obligations under the Pharmacy Operations and Drug Scheduling Act (“PODSA”) and PODSA Bylaws.
Learn more: News - New Policy on Community Pharmacy Manager Education in Effect September 1, 2018.