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August 31, 2021
Important News

COVID-19 – Patient Education a Key Role for Pharmacists


Pharmacy professionals are encouraged to ask patients whether they have received the first and second dose of a COVID-19 vaccine. If the patient has not received a vaccine, pharmacists can offer patient education around the safety and efficacy of the vaccine and address any questions the patient may have.

Even if you are not providing vaccinations in your pharmacy, as a healthcare professional you play an important role in ensuring patients have the information they need to make an informed decision. Patients can also be reminded to seek out and rely on reputable and credible information sources.

In addition, it is strongly encouraged that all pharmacy professionals receive both doses of a COVID-19 vaccine as a way to protect themselves, their teams and their patients.

The College’s dedicated COVID-19 webpage for pharmacy professionals includes resources on supporting vaccine confidence and a host of other health resources. 

Pharmacy Renovations


In order to remain compliant with the regulations under the Drug and Pharmacies Regulation Act (DPRA), the College must be notified and approve any material change to the size or physical layout of an existing accredited pharmacy.

The completed Notice of Pharmacy Renovation form along with a pharmacy floor plan must be submitted for the College’s approval at least 15 days prior to beginning any renovations to a pharmacy.

A College Community Operations Advisor will review the proposed changes to the pharmacy and contact the Director Liaison or Designated Manager of the pharmacy if they have any questions or concerns. Once a Community Operations Advisor is satisfied that the proposed changes comply with DPRA regulations, an email will be sent confirming the renovation has been approved by the College.
Read more on Pharmacy Renovations

Provider Experience Indicators Consultation


As part of the College’s Quality Indicators for Pharmacy Initiative, pharmacy professionals are invited to provide feedback on a shortlist of potential indicators and data collection methods. The shortlist was selected from global literature by a working group comprising pharmacy professionals, patients and data experts. The provider experience work is founded on the well-established link between healthcare provider experience and patient outcomes. Please visit the College’s webpage for further information and to share your feedback by September 12, 2021.
Provide Feedback on the Provider Experience Indicators Consultation

PharmacyConnection.ca Arriving in Your Inbox


To complement the launch of our digital-only Pharmacy Connection, the College will be publishing a dedicated Pharmacy Connection email bulletin to deliver timely and relevant practice-related content directly to your inbox. Arriving at the beginning of each month, this bulletin will give you access to the latest content including stories, resources, tips, best practices, case studies and other posts relevant to pharmacy regulation and practice. All content is easily printable and shareable and is accessible on any computer or mobile device. 

You can also find the latest Pharmacy Connection content anytime at PharmacyConnection.ca
Key Reminders
Clinical Viewers Available to all Community Pharmacies

Ontario Health is now offering patient care information to pharmacies, including laboratory results, dispensed medications and acute care data, through one of two provincial clinical viewers (ConnectingOntario and ClinicalConnect) that are designated by region. To sign up, visit the Ontario Health website or contact oh-ds_connectingontario@ontariohealth.ca
Application Deadline September 12 for Upcoming Jurisprudence Exam
The application deadline for the October 12, 2021 Jurisprudence Exam is September 12, 2021. This entry-to-practice exam is offered in select testing centres (operating in compliance with public health orders) and online by remote proctor. Learn more on the College’s website.
College Closed on September 6
The College will be closed on Monday, September 6 for the Labour Day holiday.
Career Opportunity: Manager, Assessments
The College is currently recruiting for a Manager, Assessments. If you or someone you know may be interested, more information is available on the College’s recruitment website. The deadline to apply is September 8, 2021.
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Ontario College of Pharmacists 483 Huron Street Toronto, Ontario M5R 2R4 Canada