The UBC Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences is developing a flexible (non-traditional) option for the Doctor of Pharmacy (Pharm.D.) degree for B.Sc. trained pharmacists. Through the flexible option, a Pharm.D. could be completed by working pharmacists over several years, with much of the coursework delivered online. UBC Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences would appreciate your feedback on how to create a Pharm.D. program that best suits the needs of BC pharmacists.
Health Canada announced that the Marihuana for Medical Purposes Regulations (MMPR) has come into force and has been published in the Canada Gazette, Part II, on June 19, 2013 (click here).
If a patient inadvertently presents one or more anti-mycobacterial drug(s) at your community pharmacy – suggesting tuberculosis (TB), non-tuberculous mycobacterial (NTM), or leprosy indications, please confirm with the patient. If treatment is indicated for a mycobacterial disease, do not fill the prescription and refer the patient to a local public health clinic to ensure they receive appropriate care, follow-up and medications.
On August 6th, the Nova Scotia government passed amendments to that province’s Pharmacy Act and associated regulations which will give the Nova Scotia College of Pharmacists the authority to register and regulate pharmacy technicians in Nova Scotia. Nova Scotia joins British Columbia, Alberta and Ontario in registering and regulating its pharmacy technicians.
The Pharmacy Examining Board of Canada (PEBC) invites pharmacists and pharmacy technicians to participate as an assessor for the PEBC Qualifying Examination – Part II (OSCE/OSPE).
To apply or for more information go to the PEBC website at: http://www.pebc.ca
The College’s Annual general meeting will be held November 23, 2013 at the Vancouver Marriott Pinnacle Downtown Hotel. This year’s AGM will be jointly hosted with the BC Pharmacy Association and Canadian Society of Hospital Pharmacists BC Branch. The Annual General Meeting is where the College reports on the previous year and will also feature votes on non-binding resolutions from registrants. If you are interested in putting forward a nonbinding resolution, you must submit it to the registrar before September 13, 2013.
Pharmacy managers are reminded that WorkSafeBC coverage has now been extended to ensure coverage for all individuals who are completing their Structured Practical Training (SPT) as part of their College requirements. The College, in its capacity as the program organizer, has obtained separate WorkSafeBC coverage for all SPT participants in the following registration categories: reinstatement, international and US pharmacy graduates, and pharmacy technician program graduates.
Beginning in September, the College will discontinue paper receipts and begin to offer electronic receipts and registrations cards through eServices.
In order to receive receipt notifications you will be required to have a personal email address registered. If you would like to update your email address, please log into eServices > Update Profile now.
If you wish to have a registration card for your wallet, you will be able to print a copy from your eServices account.
Q. What is the best way to track fan-out messages received in the pharmacy?
A. Fan-out information may be stored in your local system for information purposes only. This is an effective way of alerting the pharmacist to check photo ID and scrutinize the prescription for any irregularities. Do not assume the patient is the perpetrator, but use caution and due diligence. Messages entered on your local system should be dated. Pharmacists must use their professional judgment as to how long they will keep the fan-out messages.
Significant changes to PPP-66 (Methadone for Maintenance Treatment) and the Methadone Maintenance Treatment Policy Guide are coming. If you are involved in pharmacy services related to methadone maintenance treatment, you need to know about these changes and how it will affect your patients.
The College is offering free ‘live’ training sessions, but space is limited. Register now by logging into eServices on the College website. If you are unable to attend any of the ‘live’ sessions an ‘online’ training program will be available to you soon.