Change of Manager

Change of Pharmacy Manager

Pursuant to section 6(1)(a) of the Pharmacy Operations and Drug Scheduling Act (PODSA), a pharmacy licence is cancelled when the manager of the pharmacy changes. A pharmacy must have a manager, and the new manager must meet the eligibility criteria for a pharmacy licence set out in the Act before a pharmacy licence is issued.

A pharmacy manager is responsible for the actual management and operation of the pharmacy.  They must personally manage and be responsible for the daily operation of the pharmacy, as well as carrying out their responsibilities under section 18(2) of the PODSA Bylaws.  Therefore, if a manager goes on a leave and is unable to carry out their responsibilities as the manager, the authorized representative must appoint a new manager as soon as possible (another Change of Manager application will be required when the previous manager returns from their leave).

  1. Apply for a Change of Pharmacy Manager

    An authorized representative of the direct owner of the pharmacy must submit the change application electronically through the pharmacy portal on eServices no later than 7 days before the effective date of change. Refer to this section for a step-by-step guide on eServices.

    Note: that the current pharmacy manager will be notified of the change application.

  2. Submit Proof of Eligibility (Proposed Manager)

    The proposed manager will receive an email to complete his/her Proof of Eligibility through his/her eServices account. This should be completed as soon as possible.

    It may take up to 7 days to process a Criminal Record History result.

The authorized representative named in the application as well as the previous and new managers will receive a confirmation letter via email upon completion of the change application.  The College will also notify Health Insurance BC (HIBC) of the Ministry of Health of this change.

A new pharmacy licence will be issued with the new manager’s name upon completion of the Change of Manager application. The new pharmacy licence can be found on the pharmacy portal on eServices once all the requirements are met, even if it occurs before the effective date.

Note: for a direct owner that is NOT a sole proprietor or partnership of pharmacists or corporation(s), if the departing manager is also the authorized representative (AR) of the direct owner and is also departing from the AR role, also complete a Change of Authorized Representative (AR) application

Refer to the Pharmacy Licensure Guide for more information.