Public Notifications

The Inquiry Committee has reinstated pharmacist registrant’s registration which had previously been suspended for an indefinite period on November, 15 2021. Pursuant to Section 32.2(4)(b)(ii) of the Health Professions Act, the Inquiry Committee has reached an Agreement with the pharmacist registrant whereby the pharmacist registrant consented to terms including, but not limited to, the following:

1. To comply with any and all treatment plans as recommended by their medical provider(s) and/or most responsible physician(s);

2. To comply with any and all work plans as advised by their medical providers and/or employers.

3. To comply with every term of their Relapse Prevention Agreement (“RPA”).

4. In the event of any interruption to the agreed monitoring schedule set out in the RMA, the Registrant will advise the College of the interruption as soon as possible and provide an explanation for the interruption.

5. To continue therapeutic counselling with his counsellor for one (1) year from the first day the Registrant returns to active employment as a pharmacist.

6. To be restricted from working alone in a pharmacy for a period of 6 months (180 days) from the first day that the Registrant returns to active employment as a pharmacist. The Registrant may only work over-lapping shifts whereby another registrant is also present in the Registrant’s workplace during this time period; If no concerns are identified by the pharmacy manager and/or employer during this time period, the restriction may be lifted.

7. To be restricted from handling or physically preparing prescriptions for sedatives (benzodiazepines, Z-drugs, and chloral hydrate), stimulants (amphetamines, methylphenidates, and modafinil), opioids, and steroid medications (testosterone, androgens, anti-androgens, clenbuterol, and human growth hormone) for a minimum of two years from the first day that the Registrant returns to active employment as a pharmacist.

8. To not have access to the narcotic-safe or physically prepare prescriptions that require access to the narcotic safe and be restricted from disposing or dealing with wastage or breakage of or otherwise handling sedatives, stimulants, opioids, and steroid medications;

9. The Registrant will inform the College in writing, via e-mail, of their places of work as a pharmacist and report any changes to the location of their work within 48 hours of such change. A reportable change to the Registrant’s place of work contemplates both commencement and termination of work.

10. Prior to the commencement of work at any pharmacy, the Registrant shall:

    1. Disclose to the pharmacy manager and/or employer the limits and conditions on their license pursuant to this Consent Agreement;
        

    2. Ensure that any pharmacy manager and/or employer with whom the Registrant secures work in a pharmacy submits a written statement to the College declaring their awareness of the Registrant’s Consent Agreement and the limits and conditions on the Registrant’s license to practice pharmacy. This statement must be received within 48 hours of securing work and/or within 48 hours of any change of pharmacy manager at the Registrant’s place of work.

The pharmacist registrant’s name has been withheld pursuant to section 39.3(4)(a) of the Health Professions Act.

November 15, 2021

(May 26, 2022 - Registration Reinstated)

The Inquiry Committee, pursuant to section 32.2(4)(b)(ii) of the Health Professions Act, has reached an Agreement with the pharmacist registrant to voluntarily suspend their registration as a pharmacist effective November 15, 2021. The Agreement remains in effect until further notice. The Inquiry Committee considers the Agreement necessary to protect the public. The pharmacist registrant’s name has been withheld pursuant to section 39.3(4)(a) of the Health Professions Act.

July 10, 2020 

(November 15, 2021 - Registration Suspended) 

Pharmacist registrant 26 has satisfied the terms of a Consent Agreement reached with the Inquiry Committee on June 4, 2017. Limits and conditions on the pharmacist registrant’s registration as a pharmacist have now been removed by the Inquiry Committee. The pharmacist registrant’s name has been withheld pursuant to 39.3(4) of the Health Professions Act.

September 3, 2018

(July 10, 2020 - Limits and Conditions Removed)

The Inquiry Committee, pursuant to section 36(1) of the Health Professions Act, has reached an Agreement with the pharmacist registrant to further amend one of the terms in the Agreement of June 4, 2017. The Registrant can now work in a pharmacy where narcotic/controlled substances and Z-group drugs are counted and reconciled on a monthly basis.

January 17, 2018

(September 3, 2018 - Limits and Conditions Updated)

The Inquiry Committee, pursuant to section 36(1) of the Health Professions Act, has reached an Agreement with the pharmacist registrant to amend one of the terms in the Agreement of June 4, 2017. The pharmacist registrant can now work in a pharmacy where narcotic/controlled substances and Z-group drugs are counted and reconciled on a biweekly basis.

June 4, 2017

(January 17, 2018 - Limits and conditions updated)

The Inquiry Committee, pursuant to section 36(1) of the Health Professions Act, has reached a new revised Agreement with the pharmacist registrant whereby the Registrant consented to undertakings that include, but are not limited to:

1. Complying with all terms of the Registrant’s monitoring program for a minimum of three additional years;

2. Continuing counselling for one year from the date after Registrant had returned to work;

3. Informing all managers and employers with whom Registrant gains employment of registrant’s medical condition and the limits and conditions on Registrant’s registration pursuant to the Agreement;

4. Ensuring that all managers and employers with whom Registrant gains employment submits a written statement to the College declaring their awareness of Registrant’s medical condition and the agreement, and how they will accommodate and supervise Registrant working in pharmacy;

5. Working in a pharmacy where narcotic/controlled substances and Z-group drugs are counted and reconciled on a weekly basis;

6. Working a maximum number of hours and shifts per week for the first three months after signing the Agreement;

7. Informing pharmacy manager of all wastages and breakages of narcotic, controlled, opioid and sedative drugs that the Registrant has to dispose of or deal with;

8. Not conducting drug counts and/or conduct medication reconciliation for any narcotic/controlled substances or Z-group drugs;

9. The Registrant will be restricted from acting in the following roles:

   1. an owner or manager of a pharmacy;
   2. a director of a corporation that owns a pharmacy; and
   3. a preceptor;

    

10. The Registrant will notify the College regarding any of the following changes:

    1. changes in places of employment as a pharmacist;
    2. changes in residential address and phone number; and
    3. changes in medical provider;

     

The Agreement will remain in place for a minimum of four years or until such time as the Registrant’s physician states otherwise. The name of the Registrant has been withheld in accordance with section 39.3(4)(a) of the Health Professions Act for the purposes of not identifying the personal health information of the Registrant. The Inquiry Committee is satisfied that the undertakings will protect the public.

January 3, 2017

(June 4, 2017 – Limits and conditions updated)

The Inquiry Committee has reinstated pharmacist registrant’s registration which had previously been suspended indefinitely on May 16, 2016. Pursuant to section 36 of the Health Professions Act, the Inquiry Committee has reached an Agreement with the pharmacist registrant whereby the Registrant consented to undertakings involving regular monitoring for fitness to practice pharmacy. The undertakings include, but are not limited to:

1. That the Registrant will comply with all terms of Registrant’s monitoring program with the company currently involved in registrant’s care and remain on this program for a minimum of three (3) years from the day Registrant returns to active employment as a pharmacist;

2. That Registrant will continue counselling for one (1) year after Registrant returns to work;

3. That Registrant will inform all managers and employers with whom Registrant gains employment of registrant’s medical condition and the limits and conditions on Registrant’s registration pursuant to this agreement;

4. That Registrant will ensure that all managers and employers with whom Registrant gains employment submit a written statement to the College within 48 hours of securing employment, declaring their awareness of Registrant’s medical condition and the agreement, how they will accommodate and supervise the Registrant working in the pharmacy, and that they will submit a weekly narcotic count for a minimum of three (3) months to the College or advise the College if any narcotic count concerns arise;

5. That after returning to work in a pharmacy setting, Registrant will provide work sign-in sheets on a monthly basis;

6. That Registrant will not work alone after returning to work in a pharmacy setting and that there must be overlapping shifts of at least one registrant during Registrant’s work shift for a minimum of the first six (6) months that Registrant returns to work;

7. That after returning to work in a pharmacy setting, Registrant will not be allowed to dispense narcotics;

8. That after returning to work in a pharmacy setting, Registrant will not handle or physically prepare prescriptions for narcotic, controlled, opioid and sedative drugs, including but not limited to Benzodiazepine, Dextroamphetamine and testosterone products and any Z-Group drugs;

9. That after returning to work in a pharmacy setting, for the first six (6) months, Registrant will not be allowed to dispense Controlled Substances ie. Benzodiazepine, Dextroamphetamine and testosterone products and any Z-Group drugs (which are not considered Controlled Substances);

10. That after returning to work in a pharmacy setting, Registrant will not be allowed to do narcotic or controlled substances or Z-Group drug counts;

11. That after returning to work in a pharmacy setting, Registrant will not dispose or deal with wastage or breakage of or otherwise handle any narcotic, controlled, opioid and sedative drugs, including but not limited to Benzodiazepine, Dextroamphetamine and testosterone products and any Z-Group drugs;

12. That Registrant will not have access to the narcotic-safe or physically process and/or otherwise prepare any prescriptions that require access to the narcotic safe;

13. That Registrant will not be involved in any way with ordering supplies of narcotic medications;

14. That Registrant will be restricted from acting in the following roles in Registrant’s practice:

    1. an owner or manager of a pharmacy;
    2. a director of a corporation that owns a pharmacy; and
    3. a preceptor;

     

15. That Registrant will notify the College within 48 hours of such a change, in writing or via e-mail, of:

    1. all changes in places of employment as a pharmacist;
    2. all changes in residential address and phone number; and
    3. all changes in medical provider;

The Agreement will remain in place for a minimum of five years from the date of execution of the Agreement. The Registrant will be assessed by the treating physician after six (6) months upon return to active employment to determine whether or not any of the above limits or conditions should be removed. The name of the Registrant has been withheld in accordance with section 39.3(4)(a) of the Health Professions Act for the purposes of not identifying the personal health information of the Registrant respecting the condition. The Inquiry Committee is satisfied that the undertakings will protect the public.

May 16, 2016
(January 3, 2017 – Registration Reinstated)

The Inquiry Committee, pursuant to section 36 of the Health Professions Act, has reached an Agreement with pharmacist registrant to suspend registration as a pharmacist effective May 16, 2016. The agreement remains in effect until further notice. The Inquiry Committee considers the Agreement necessary to protect the public. The registrant's name has been withheld, pursuant to 39.3(4) of the Health Professions Act.

1. Nature of Action: The Inquiry Committee of the College of Pharmacists of British Columbia (“CPBC”) conducted an investigation into the practice of Alain Vincent (the “Registrant”), pursuant to section 33(4) of the Health Professions Act, R.S.B.C. 1996, c. 183.

   The Inquiry Committee and the Registrant have agreed to resolve all matters arising from the investigation by way of a Consent Agreement under section 36(1) of the Health Professions Act.

2. Effective date: April 5, 2022

3. Name of registrant: Alain Vincent

4. Location of Practice: Victoria, BC

5. Admissions and acknowledgements:

   The Registrant has admitted and/or acknowledged the following:

   1. Between February 13 and June 30, 2021, while he was the pharmacy manager, the Registrant and other pharmacy staff processed 80 prescription transactions that had an incorrect dispensed quantity and/or incorrect directions for use.
       
   2. The Registrant and other pharmacy staff did not enter prescription information and record it in PharmaNet at the time of dispensing and keep the patient record current for prescriptions involved in the matter, contrary to section 35(1) of the Pharmacy Operations and Drug Scheduling Act, S.B.C. 2003, c. 77 (“PODSA”) Bylaws.
       
   3. The Registrant and other pharmacy staff did not complete an adequate final check of the prescriptions involved in the matter and did not take appropriate action respecting a drug therapy problem, contrary to sections 6(5)(e) and 10(6) of the Health Professions Act, R.S.B.C. 1996, c.183 (“HPA”), Bylaws, Schedule F, Part 1 – Community Pharmacy Standards of Practice (“Standards of Practice”).
       

   4. As the pharmacy manager, the Registrant did not ensure:

      1. That the pharmacy had documented policies and procedures;
          
      2. That narcotic reconciliations were performed pursuant to section 18(2)(s) of the PODSA Bylaws and Professional Practice Policy – 65 Narcotic Counts and Reconciliations (“PPP-65”).

6. Disposition:

   The Registrant entered into a Consent Agreement with the Inquiry Committee, wherein the Registrant consented to the following terms (in part):

   1. To not be a pharmacy manager and preceptor or supervisor of registered pharmacy students and/or international pharmacy graduates for a period of one year effective on October 5, 2022;

   2. To pay a fine in the amount of $7,500;

   3. To review and abide by applicable legislative standards;

      • Data entry of prescription information;

      • Incident reporting;

      • Managing relationships with physicians;

      • Clinical decision making and documentation;

      • Preventing medication incidents; and

      • Guidelines on mitigating substance-related risks in COVID-19.

7. Rationale:

   The Inquiry Committee determined that the Registrant and other pharmacy staff did not complete an adequate final check of the prescriptions involved in the incidents as a result of failing to ensure that the correct quantity and directions were transcribed from the original prescription, contrary to sections 10(6), 9.1(1)(a), and 9.1(1)(b) of the Standards of Practice. Therefore, the Inquiry Committee determined that the Registrant and other pharmacy staff failed to enter prescription information and record it in PharmaNet at the time of dispensing and keep the patient record current, contrary to section 35(1) of the PODSA Bylaws.

   The Inquiry Committee determined that in his role as pharmacy manager, the Registrant did not thoroughly investigate the incident and take appropriate action to adequately remediate recurring practice concerns related to the management of the pharmacy, or develop adequate policies and procedures for the operation of a pharmacy. The Inquiry Committee further determined that the Registrant did not ensure that narcotic and controlled drug inventory counts and reconciliations were completed in accordance with the College’s bylaws, legislation, and policies.

   The Inquiry Committee, therefore, considered that the Registrant neglected and disregarded basic duties of a pharmacy manager and that the Registrant’s conduct demonstrated a breach of trust and constituted professional misconduct as defined by section 26 of the Health Professions Act.

   The Inquiry Committee considered the Registrant’s conduct to be serious and that remediation was required to ensure compliance. Therefore, the Inquiry Committee considered the terms of the Consent Agreement necessary and appropriate to protect the public, as well as send a clear message of deterrence to the profession.

1. Nature of Action: The Inquiry Committee of the College of Pharmacist of British Columbia (the “College”) conducted an investigation into the practice of Jin Yew Loh (the “Registrant”), pursuant to section 33(4) of the Health Professions Act (“HPA”), R.S.B.C. 1996, c. 183. The Inquiry Committee and the Registrant have agreed to resolve all matters arising from the investigation by way of a Consent Agreement under section 36(1) of the HPA.

2. Effective date: March 14, 2022

3. Name of registrant: Jin Yew Loh

4. Location of Practice: Whistler, BC

5. Admissions and acknowledgements:

   Between November 12th, 2020, and October 13th, 2021, the Registrant falsified prescriptions using two fabricated patient profiles under the authorization of one out-of-province prescriber. The falsified prescriptions resulted in 21 transactions processed onto PharmaNet under these fabricated profiles. The medications included in these transactions were all Schedule I drugs, which required authorized prescriptions. Some of the medications involved included controlled drug substances. The Registrant misappropriated these medications by falsely filling and dispensing them for his own personal use.

   The Registrant used the name and authorization of one out-of-province physician as prescriber on these prescriptions, all without the knowledge, consent, or authorization of this physician. In doing so, the Registrant falsified and inappropriately altered the out-of-province physician’s prescribing records.

6. Disposition:

   The Registrant entered into a Consent Agreement with the College’s Inquiry Committee, wherein the Registrant consented to terms that include (but are not limited to) the following:

   1. To suspend his registration as a pharmacist for a total of 60 days (May 26, 2022 to July 25, 2022);

   2. To not be pharmacy manager or preceptor for pharmacy students for a period of three years (July 26, 2022 to July 25, 2025);

   3. To write an apology letter to the out-of-province physician affected by this conduct;

   4. To complete and successfully pass an ethics course for healthcare professionals; and

   5. To pay a fine of $1,000.

7. Rationale:

   The Inquiry Committee considered that in this case, in addition to the serious misconduct, the Registrant created inaccurate prescribing records and placed himself at significant risk of harm by taking unauthorized medication for his personal use. His actions were a serious contravention of standards in the Code of Ethics and compromised the public’s trust in the pharmacy profession as a whole.

   The Inquiry Committee therefore determined that the Registrant required serious remediation and deterrence regarding his conduct. After also considering significant mitigating factors, the Inquiry Committee considered the terms of the Consent Agreement appropriate to protect the public, as well as send a clear message of deterrence to the profession.

Pharmacist Registrant 39 has satisfied the terms of a Consent Agreement reached with the Inquiry Committee on December 19, 2018. The pharmacist registrant’s name has been withheld pursuant to s. 39.3(4) of the Health Professions Act.

December 19, 2018

(February 18, 2022 - Limits and Conditions Removed)

The Inquiry Committee has reinstated pharmacist registrant’s registration which had previously been suspended for an indefinite period on September 24, 2018. Pursuant to section 32.2(4)(b)(i) of the Health Professions Act, the Inquiry Committee has reached an Agreement with the pharmacist registrant whereby the Registrant consented to undertakings. The undertakings include, but are not limited to:

1. The Registrant will comply with any and all recommendations and treatment prescribed or directed by current physicians;
    
2. The Registrant undertakes to adhere to routine medical monitoring program with the institution currently involved in the case and remain on the monitoring program for a minimum of 36 consecutive months of uninterrupted and verified abstinence and compliance from the day the Registrant returns to active employment as a pharmacist;
    
3. In the event of any interruption to the agreed monitoring schedule set out by the medical monitoring program, the Registrant will advise the College of the interruption as soon as possible and provide an explanation for the interruption;
    
4. The Registrant will not have access whatsoever, on or off-duty, to the narcotic safe in any pharmacy for at least one year from the date the Registrant returns to work;
    
5. The Registrant will not be involved in any way with ordering mood altering drugs (narcotics, opiates, opioids, benzodiazepines, and atypical sedatives such as zopiclone, zaleplon, and zolpidem and prescription psychostimulants such as dextroamphetamine, methylphenidate and modafinil), except for signing off on the necessary paperwork in the presence of a witnessing pharmacy staff member for the purposes of receiving and stocking such narcotics for at least one year from the date the Registrant returns to work;
    
6. The Registrant will not handle or physically prepare or dispense prescriptions for mood altering drugs (narcotics, opiates, opioids, benzodiazepines, and atypical sedatives such as zopiclone, zaleplon, and zolpidem and prescription psychostimulants such as dextroamphetamine, methylphenidate and modafinil), except if from time to time this is not possible, then the Registrant can only hand them to the patient and provide patient counselling for at least one year from the date the Registrant returns to work;
    
7. The Registrant will not dispose or deal with wastage or breakage of or otherwise handle any mood altering drugs (narcotics, opiates, opioids, benzodiazepines, and atypical sedatives such as zopiclone, zaleplon, and zolpidem and prescription psychostimulants such as dextroamphetamine, methylphenidate and modafinil) for at least one year from the date the Registrant returns to work;
    
8. The Registrant will not dispense own medications;
    
9. Prior to the commencement of employment at any pharmacy, the Registrant shall disclose to the pharmacy manager and/or employer the limits and conditions on the Registrant’s license pursuant to this Consent Agreement if the pharmacy dispenses mood altering drugs (narcotics, opiates, opioids, benzodiazepines, and atypical sedatives such as zopiclone, zaleplon, and zolpidem and prescription psychostimulants such as dextroamphetamine, methylphenidate and modafinil);
    
10. The Registrant will ensure that any pharmacy manager and/or employer with whom the Registrant secures employment in a pharmacy that dispenses mood altering drugs (narcotics, opiates, opioids, benzodiazepines, and atypical sedatives such as zopiclone, zaleplon, and zolpidem and prescription psychostimulants such as dextroamphetamine, methylphenidate and modafinil), submits a written statement to the College declaring their awareness of the Registrant’s medical condition and the Agreement. This statement must be received within 48 hours of securing employment and/or within 48 hours of any change of pharmacy manager at the Registrant’s place of employment;
     
11. The Registrant will inform the College in writing, via e-mail, of  places of employment as a pharmacist and report any changes to the location of employment within 48 hours of such change. A reportable change to the Registrant’s place of employment contemplates both commencement and termination of employment;
     
12. The Registrant will be restricted from acting in the following roles in the Registrant’s practice:
    1. Be a manager of a pharmacy;
    2. Be a director of a corporation that owns a pharmacy; and
    3. Act as a preceptor of pharmacy students and/or international pharmacy graduates.

This Agreement will remain in place until such time as the Registrant’s physician states otherwise. The name of the Registrant has been withheld in accordance with section 39.3(4)(a) of the Health Professions Act for the purposes of not identifying the personal health information of the Registrant. The Inquiry Committee is satisfied that the undertakings will protect the public.

September 24, 2018

(December 19, 2018 - Registration Reinstated) 

The Inquiry Committee, pursuant to section 32.2(4)(b)(ii) Of the Health Professions Act, has reached an agreement with the pharmacist registrant to voluntarily suspend registration as a pharmacist effective September 24, 2018.  The agreement remains in effect until further notice.  The Inquiry Committee considers the agreement necessary to protect the public.  The pharmacist registrant’s name has been withheld pursuant to section 39.3(4)(a) of the Health Professions Act.