IMPORTANT:  Pharmacists must receive authorization from the College of Pharmacists of BC before administering injections. The College has received final authority from government to process applications and provide pharmacists with their required authorization. Pharmacists may submit their completed application at any time.

Qualification Requirements:

In order to apply to the College for authorization to administer injections pharmacists must:

• Be registered on the College’s Full Pharmacist register
• Have successfully completed the training from a College approved accredited training program (note: applications must be received by the College within 1 year of completion of the required training program)
• Possess current certification in CPR and first-aid from a recognized provider such as St. John Ambulance or the Canadian Red Cross. (note: it is up to pharmacists themselves to determine the specific course(s) based on their individual competence and practice needs)

Application Process:

Once pharmacists have successfully fulfilled the requirements listed above they may apply to the College for authorization to administer injections by completing the ‘Application for Certification – Injection Drug Administration’ form (see sidebar for link) and forward to the College office. (note: please ensure that you have read and understand the Standards, Limits and Conditions (see sidebar for link) as it is part of the required declaration on the application form).

Applications will be reviewed by the College as they are received and qualified applicants will be notified of their authorization. Pharmacists must receive this authorization prior to providing injection services.

Note: Recertification is required every 5 years

Administration of Injection – Scope of Practice:

The Regulation allows for qualified pharmacists to administer a drug (Schedule I, IA or II) or substance (Schedule III) by intradermal, intramuscular or subcutaneous injection for the prevention of disease, disorders or conditions and for the treatment of anaphylaxis.  However, the Standards, Limits and Conditions are restricted to immunizations and the treatment of anaphylaxis. (note:  The inter-professional committee (Injection Drug Administration Committee, IDAC) established as part of the Regulation to recommend the Standards, Limits and Conditions will consider evolving the Standards, Limits and Conditions to include authorization for other injections in the future).

Accredited Training Programs:

BC Pharmacy Association (BCPhA):
The BCPhA accredited training program is divided into two components: an online module (approximately 8 hours) and a one-day live workshop. Registration for both components is available through the BCPhA website at: www.bcpharmacy.ca.
 
Background:

As outlined in a press release issued by the Ministry of Health Services on July 21st, 2009 (see sidebar for link) the government proposed changes to regulations governing the scope of practice for pharmacists to include the administration of certain injections, including vaccinations.

The College of Pharmacists of BC is responsible for establishing the Standards, Limits and Conditions for injections based on the recommendations of an inter-professional committee consisting of physicians, nurses and pharmacists as well as government representation. These Standards, Limits and Conditions ensure that pharmacists who receive authorization to administer injections have the knowledge, skills and abilities to do so safely and effectively.