Certification for Drug Administration by Injection and Intranasal Route

CERTIFICATION FOR DRUG ADMINISTRATION BY INJECTION AND INTRANASAL ROUTE

Effective October 14, 2022,  pharmacists with valid drug administration certification may administer any Schedule I, IA, and II drugs, including controlled drugs by injection and intranasal route, with the exception of cosmetic drugs and substances, and allergy serums.

The College must approve your Drug Administration Certification (DAC) application prior to you providing drug administration in accordance with HPA Bylaws Schedule F Part 4 – Certified Practice – Drug Administration by Injection and Intranasal Route Standards, Limits and Conditions.  See application process below.  Registrants with DAC are indicated under the Find a Pharmacy or Registrant search function on the College website.

Note: Registrants who have not administered drugs by intranasal route in the preceding three years must complete the intranasal administration online module. CFTA pre-registration applicants and CFTA pre-registration applicants and Temporary registrants who previously completed drug administration training for injection only, must complete the intranasal administration online module and submit the “intranasal administration declaration” through eServices before they may administer a drug by intranasal route.

Intranasal Administration
  1. Meet the necessary requirements

    In order to qualify for DAC, you must:

    • Be registered as a Full Pharmacist, Limited Pharmacist, Temporary Pharmacist or Student (UBC and Non-UBC) Pharmacist.

    • Have successfully completed a CCCEP-accredited drug administration training program approved by the College as listed in Schedule C of the HPA Bylaws within 1 year from application date, or hold valid drug administration authorization in another province at the time of submitting the application

    • Possess valid certification in first aid and CPR from a recognized provider.

    Recognized providers include St. John Ambulance, Canadian Red Cross, Lifesaving Society, EMP Canada, and the Academy of Emergency Training. Other providers will be reviewed by the College before being accepted. Online courses without an in-class training component are NOT acceptable.

    It is the responsibility of a pharmacist to determine the specific courses based on their individual competence and practice needs. A pharmacist must ensure that their chosen course provides certification in both first aid and CPR. A standalone CPR course is not acceptable, as it does not include first aid certification.

  2. Apply for DAC

    Submit the Application for Certification – Drug Administration by Injection and Intranasal Route to the College, along with copies of your drug administration training course certificate(s) and first aid/CPR certificate.

    In order to complete the declaration page of this application, you must read and understand the Certified Practice – Drug Administration by Injection and Intranasal Route Standards, Limits and Conditions.

    Please allow up to 5 business days for processing.

    You will be notified when your application is approved. Your registration card will also be updated to include your DAC.

Maintaining DAC

You must hold valid First Aid/CPR certification at all times for your DAC.  If your First Aid/CPR certification expires, your DAC becomes invalid and you must notify the College and cease from administering drugs by injection and intranasal route immediately.  You will be able to recertify your DAC after completing your First Aid/CPR certification.  See below.

Renewing DAC

You will be required to declare whether you meet the requirements for renewing your DAC at the time of completing your registration renewal application:

In the preceding three years, you have:

  • Administered a drug via injection route or successfully completed a continuing education program in drug administration as specified in HPA Bylaws Schedule C;
  • Administered a drug via intranasal route or successfully completed the Intranasal Administration Online Module as specified in HPA Bylaws Schedule C; and
  • Maintained valid First Aid and CPR certification as specified in HPA Bylaws Schedule C.

If you are unable to declare any of the above, you must cease administering drugs by injection and intranasal route immediately.  Your DAC will become invalid but you may apply for recertification when all requirements are met.

Recertifying DAC

Contact the Registration Department at: [email protected] if you do not meet any of the DAC requirements at any time.