Issue #89 – February 2023
We’re Hiring!
Practice Consultant (Hospital Pharmacy)
NLPB is now hiring for the part-time, contractual position of Practice Consultant (Hospital Pharmacy). For full details please visit the NLPB website: https://nlpb.ca/now-hiring-practice-consultant-hospital-pharmacy
Qualified applicants are invited to submit a letter of application and resume to careers@nlpb.ca. The application deadline for this position is Wednesday, February 15, 2023.
While NLPB appreciates all applicants, only those short-listed for an interview will be contacted.
Upcoming Audits
As part of the NLPB Quality Assurance Program, NLPB audits self-declarations made by registrants during their annual registration renewal.
Annual Professional Liability Insurance Audit
This month, NLPB will be conducting an audit of proof of professional liability insurance (PLI) for registered pharmacy professionals.
Registered pharmacy professionals are required to have continuous PLI coverage in a form and amount satisfactory to NLPB, as outlined in the registration and renewal sections of the Pharmacy Act, 2012 and the Pharmacy Regulations, 2014. During registration and renewal, pharmacy professionals certify that they have obtained PLI in accordance with the NLPB Professional Liability Insurance Requirements for Registration, declare that coverage will be maintained throughout the year, and upload an annual certificate of PLI coverage.
Ten percent of registered pharmacists, pharmacy technicians, students, and interns will be chosen at random to be audited. Please note that registrants will only be contacted if further information is necessary or an issue is identified during the audit.
If you have any questions about the PLI audit process, please contact QA@nlpb.ca.
Annual Professional Development Audit
The NLPB Professional Development Requirements for Pharmacists and Pharmacy Technicians Interpretation Guide states that pharmacy professionals will be notified if they are selected for audit by the end of January. However, NLPB is currently reassessing audit processes for professional development (PD) due to changes in the way in which learning activities are recorded in the new registrant portal. More details regarding the status of the next PD audit will be provided as information becomes available.
Welcoming Kelda Newport
NLPB is pleased to announce the appointment of Kelda Newport to the position of Director of Quality Assurance and Licensing. In this role, Kelda will oversee NLPB’s Quality Assurance (QA) and Licensing portfolios, working with the QA team to advance initiatives and develop the continuous quality improvement program, MedSTEP NL.
Kelda is a registered pharmacist who is committed to quality care, participating as a Quality of Care NL Social and Health System Clinical Lead and serving as a member of NLPB’s QA Committee. Kelda’s most recent work experience, as the project coordinator for SaferMedsNL since 2018 and as a complaints investigator for NLPB since 2020, will serve her well in her new role. As a complaints investigator, Kelda had the unique opportunity to engage in determining root causes and contributing factors for medication incidents and near misses in accordance with pharmacy policies and procedures.
Following her graduation from Memorial University with a Bachelor of Science (Pharmacy) and a Bachelor of Science (Biochemistry (Nutrition)) in 2010, Kelda spent the first 7 years of her career practicing in community pharmacy, with a specific clinical practice in opioid use disorder at the Opioid Treatment Centre. She has continued her education throughout her career, graduating with a Master of Public Health in 2022.
Kelda’s education, work experience, and commitment to evidence-informed practice improvement will be of great value to NLPB as she works with the team to ensure the QA program can have the greatest impact on the quality and safety of pharmacy practice in the province.
Call for Interest – MedSTEP NL Task Force
NLPB is currently seeking representatives from independent and banner community pharmacies to join the MedSTEP NL Task Force.
At the March 2022 board meeting, NLPB adopted, in principle, the National Association of Pharmacy Regulatory Authorities (NAPRA) Model Standards for Continuous Quality Improvement and Medication Incident Reporting. NLPB is striking a task force, which will be responsible for providing feedback on an interpretation guide, advising on CQI program components, and recommending implementation deadlines.
NLPB would like to thank those who have already expressed interest to join the Task Force and greatly appreciates registrants’ interest in participating in this opportunity to impact the quality and safety of pharmacy practice in the province.
If you would like to be a part of this important piece of work, please submit your expression of interest to QA@nlpb.ca by Wednesday, February 8, 2023, including a brief biography, relevant experience, and the reason you are interested in participating.
Call for Interest – Disciplinary Panel
NLPB is currently seeking registered pharmacists to serve as members of NLPB’s Disciplinary Panel. For full details, please visit: https://www.nlpb.ca/call-for-expression-of-interest-disciplinary-panel
Members of the Disciplinary Panel are called on occasionally to sit on three-person adjudication tribunals to hear complaints regarding registrants who are referred by the Complaints Authorization Committee.
If you are interested, please submit your name, contact information, a brief bio (including any relevant experience), and a few lines about why you are interested in being part of the Disciplinary Panel to complaints@nlpb.ca by Thursday, February 16, 2023.
Revised Standards of Pharmacy Operation for Community Pharmacy
As announced in the fall of 2022, NLPB has approved the revised Standards of Pharmacy Operation for Community Pharmacy.
The expectation is that the requirements of the Standards should be met at the earliest possible date but no later than September 1, 2023. All new pharmacy openings will be expected to meet the Standards at the time of opening.
Pharmacy professionals, including pharmacists-in-charge, pharmacists, and pharmacy technicians, should review the recent article in the Fall 2022 issue of The Apothecary for a summary of key changes and also review the Standards in their entirety at their earliest convenience.
Additional resources, such as a webinar series focusing on key changes, are being planned for the spring. Pharmacy professionals are encouraged to share their topic suggestions by contacting practicequestions@nlpb.ca.
Deactivating Old Prescriptions
Pharmacy professionals are reminded that policies and procedures must be in place to ensure that only the most recent prescription for a continuing therapy remains active. In addition to preventing older prescriptions from being filled in error, this ensures the accuracy of the provincial electronic health record by preventing multiple prescriptions for the same medication from being flagged as active.
Per section 3.3 j) of the Standards of Pharmacy Operation for Community Pharmacy, “When filling or logging a prescription for continuing therapy, any existing prescriptions for the same drug therapy with refills remaining must be deactivated to prevent them from being inappropriately filled in the future.”
NLPB’s Public Register
NLPB’s interactive Public Register is now available on our website at: https://nlpb.portalca.thentiacloud.net/webs/portal/register/#/.
Pharmacy professionals are asked to review their listing on the public register to ensure all information is accurate and up-to-date. Please note, employment information can be updated by logging into the registrant portal and clicking Employment Information on the main menu, to update any other information, please contact registration@nlpb.ca. If you are unable to find your listing, please contact registration@nlpb.ca to ensure your registration is active.
Pharmacists-in-Charge (PICs) are responsible for ensuring all information in the pharmacy listing is accurate and up-to-date. Please ensure all registered pharmacy professionals employed by the pharmacy are listed under Staff Listing. It is the PIC’s responsibility to ensure all regulated staff is registered to practice. Please note, you can view the registration information for any staff who are currently registered with NLPB by clicking the View Registration button next to their name in the public register pharmacy listing. Any staff listed without the View Registration button next to their name are currently inactive and are not permitted to work as a regulated pharmacy professional in the province. If any of the regulated staff currently working in the pharmacy are not listed in the public register, please contact registration@nlpb.ca immediately to verify the status of their registration.
Registration & Licensing Certificates
Pharmacist and Pharmacy Technician 2023 registration certificates are now available for download through the NLPB Registrant Portal. To download, log into your account and click the Certificate & Pocket Card link under Profile on the side menu and then click the Download Certificate button. Please ensure the latest version of Adobe Reader is installed on your device. Should you have any issues accessing the file, please contact registration@nlpb.ca for support.
Please note, pharmacists-in-charge (PICs) should have received a copy of the pharmacy licence certificates in their email in January. If you are a PIC and have not yet received a copy of your licence by email, please contact licensing@nlpb.ca.
Please note, once received, PICs are required to print and display the licence in a conspicuous part of the pharmacy in full public view.
Pharmacist and Pharmacy Technician Authorization Applications Now Online
Applications for authorizations for expanded scope of practice, service as a preceptor, and designation as Pharmacist-in-Charge must now be completed and submitted through the NLPB Registrant Portal. For instructions on submitting an application for authorization online, please refer to the NLPB Registrant Portal User Guide – Applying for Authorizations.
Issue #90 – March 2023
Pharmacy Appreciation Month
March is Pharmacy Appreciation Month (formerly Pharmacy Awareness Month), bringing awareness to the important role that the profession of pharmacy plays in our healthcare system and in supporting the health and well-being of the public it serves.
NLPB would like to take this opportunity to say thank you to the pharmacy professionals of our province for your dedication and commitment to providing equitable and quality care in the best interest of the public you serve.
We’re Hiring!
Practice Consultant (Hospital Pharmacy)
NLPB is now hiring for the part-time, contractual position of Practice Consultant (Hospital Pharmacy). For full details please visit the NLPB website: https://nlpb.ca/now-hiring-practice-consultant-hospital-pharmacy
Qualified applicants are invited to submit a letter of application and resume to careers@nlpb.ca.
While NLPB appreciates all applicants, only those short-listed for an interview will be contacted.
Is Proof of your Professional Liability Insurance Coverage Up to Date?
NLPB would like to thank all pharmacists, pharmacy technicians, pharmacy interns, and pharmacy students who have updated their professional liability insurance (PLI) information and uploaded their PLI certificates in the Registrant Portal.
As a reminder to those who may not have had a chance to do so, NLPB is asking that all registered pharmacy professionals log into the Registrant Portal and ensure your PLI policy information and documentation is accurate and up to date by no later than Friday, March 3, 2023. The annual audit will resume after this date.
For instructions on updating your PLI information, please refer to the NLPB Registrant Portal User Guide – Adding/Updating Professional Liability Insurance.
Please note, registered pharmacy professionals are required to confirm that their PLI policy meets NLPB requirements and to upload a copy of their annual certificate of coverage to their profile on the NLPB Registrant Portal within 30 days of the policy start or renewal date. For a full list of these requirements, please refer to the NLPB Professional Liability Insurance Requirements for Registration Interpretation Guide.
If you have any questions or concerns, please contact QA@nlpb.ca for assistance.
Call for Interest – Disciplinary Panel
NLPB is currently seeking registered pharmacists to serve as members of NLPB’s Disciplinary Panel. For full details, please visit: https://www.nlpb.ca/call-for-expression-of-interest-disciplinary-panel
Members of the Disciplinary Panel are called on occasionally to sit on three-person adjudication tribunals to hear complaints regarding registrants who are referred by the Complaints Authorization Committee.
If you are interested, please submit your name, contact information, a brief bio (including any relevant experience), and a few lines about why you are interested in being part of the Disciplinary Panel to complaints@nlpb.ca.
Post-Consumer Medication Returns
Recently, NLPB has received an increasing number of questions from the public regarding the safe disposal of medications, citing an inability to find a pharmacy in their area accepting patient returns or offering directions to an alternative method of safe disposal. As a reminder, community pharmacies may accept post-consumer returns provided they follow Health Canada’s Guidance Document: Handling and destruction of post-consumer returns containing controlled substances and use one of the following methods of disposal:
- destroy the returns locally;
- use a post-consumer returns container with an integrated system to destroy products that are placed within it; or
- sell or provide post-consumer returns to a licensed dealer.
NLPB encourages pharmacy professionals to assist their patients with proper waste disposal to the extent possible.
By accepting post-consumer returns or connecting people with proper waste disposal services, pharmacy professionals demonstrate their ethical responsibility to “support environmental stewardship by promoting safe disposal of drugs and other health products” as outlined in the NLPB Code of Ethics (Guideline 9.10).
Health Canada – Special Access Program for Drugs
Health Canada’s Special Access Program for drugs (SAP) enables drugs that are not marketed in Canada to be requested by practitioners for the treatment, diagnosis, or prevention of serious or life-threatening conditions when conventional therapies have failed, are unsuitable, or unavailable.
Practitioners are not required to have a Drug Establishment License (DEL) to request a drug for a medical emergency. To request a drug through SAP, practitioners must submit a Special Access Request (SAR) form with all required information to support the request.
SAP and Pharmacy
Practitioners requesting a drug must specify where the drug is to be shipped, which can include hospital or community pharmacies. The person who receives the drug for distribution or administration to a patient must be a practitioner or a pharmacist (subsection C.08.010(1)(c)). Please note, for drugs shipped to a community pharmacy, or a location other than the practitioner’s office, the requesting practitioner remains responsible to account for the quantity received.
For more information on the program, please refer to the Special Access Program for Drugs: Guidance document for Industry and Practitioners.
Scanning Requirements for Document Submission
NLPB recently developed a Scanning Guidelines and Checklist for Document Submissions Policy in order to prevent delays in processing and approving applications due to receiving illegible supporting documentation. Digital copies of original paper documents must meet the highest standard for quality and accuracy to support their authenticity, as such the policy outlines the steps for scanning, saving, and submitting documentation to ensure those standards are met.
Some small steps you can take to ensure your documentation is acceptable include:
- Scan documents using an acceptable scanning application; submitting a picture taken by a camera is NOT acceptable. Approved apps for scanning with your mobile device include:
- Scan original documents at high resolution and 100% image size. Do not reduce or expand the scanning settings.
- Save each required document as an individual file. For example, proof of insurance and photo identification would be scanned and saved as two separate files, not as one file.
- Save documents as PDF (.pdf) or JPG (.jpg). TIFF (.tiff) file formats are not accepted.
- Do not compress or zip files.
- Send documents as email attachments; do NOT insert documents as images in the body of emails and do NOT send files as links to cloud storage such as Google Docs or iCloud.
For a full list of requirements, refer to NLPB’s Scanning Guidelines and Checklist for Document Submissions Policy.
If you have any questions, please contact registration@nlpb.ca.
Canadian Research Initiative in Substance Misuse (CRISM) Webinar
Making the Case for Shared Decision Making in OUD Care:
A national case-based discussion with Community & Clinical experts
Join CRISM on March 9, 2023, from 2:30 pm-4:00 pm NST (1:00 pm-2:30 pm EST) as they bring together an interdisciplinary group of substance use experts to work through a clinical case for Opioid Use Disorder care.
In this hour-and-a-half webinar, clinicians and community experts will explore, debate, and collaborate on ways to meet both the patient’s and provider’s concerns for shared decision-making in OUD care and treatment. Led by two accomplished moderators, Natasha Tousenard and Emma Garrod, the group of community subject experts Matthew Bonn, Iye Sanneh, and Frank Crichlow, and clinicians Jac Atkinson and Dr. Alana Hirsh, will discuss how to best approach and enhance a patient’s treatment and overall management of opioid use disorder by highlighting flexibility and person-centered approaches to care.
Certificates of attendance can be provided after the session upon request.
Register at: https://echo.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZElc-6srDopHNV7kX87VCmkvLB6QOQG7uC7
Revised Standards of Pharmacy Operation for Community Pharmacy
As announced in the fall of 2022, NLPB has approved the revised Standards of Pharmacy Operation for Community Pharmacy.
The expectation is that the requirements of the Standards should be met at the earliest possible date but no later than September 1, 2023. All new pharmacy openings will be expected to meet the Standards at the time of opening.
Pharmacy professionals, including pharmacists-in-charge, pharmacists, and pharmacy technicians, should review the recent article in the Fall 2022 issue of The Apothecary for a summary of key changes and also review the Standards in their entirety at their earliest convenience.
Additional resources, such as a webinar series focusing on key changes, are being planned for the spring. Pharmacy professionals are encouraged to share their topic suggestions by contacting practicequestions@nlpb.ca.
Issue #91 – May 2023
Upcoming Webinar: Part 2 – Implementing Standards – Revised Standards of Pharmacy Operation – Community Pharmacy
Join NLPB for a review of the new Standards of Pharmacy Operation – Community Pharmacy on Wednesday, May 17, 2023, 6:30-7:30 pm (NT). In part two of this webinar series, NLPB Practice Consultant, Rheya White, will highlight the changes to the Pharmacy Practice Standards of Pharmacy Operation, including revisions related to clinical and technical checks, expectations regarding non-prescription medication consultations, and clarification regarding prescription requirements and prescription release. There will be a question-and-answer period following the review.
Date: May 17, 2023
Time: 6:30-7:30 pm (NT)
Presenter: Rheya White RPh(BSc Pharm) (they/her), Community Pharmacy Practice Consultant
Click to Register
This webinar will be hosted through Microsoft Teams.
Revised Standards of Pharmacy Operation for Community Pharmacy
As announced in the fall of 2022, NLPB has approved the revised Standards of Pharmacy Operation for Community Pharmacy.
The expectation is that the requirements of the Standards should be met at the earliest possible date but no later than September 1, 2023. All new pharmacy openings will be expected to meet the Standards at the time of opening.
Pharmacy professionals, including pharmacists-in-charge, pharmacists, and pharmacy technicians, should review the recent article in the Fall 2022 issue of The Apothecary for a summary of key changes and also review the Standards in their entirety at their earliest convenience.
Additional resources:
Webinars
- Part 1 – Implementing Standards – Revised Standards of Pharmacy Operation for Community Pharmacy is now available through the NLPB Online Learning Portal.
- Register for Part 2 – Implementing Standards – Revised Standards of Pharmacy Operation for Community Pharmacy
Call for Interest – Disciplinary Panel
NLPB is currently seeking registered pharmacists to serve as members of NLPB’s Disciplinary Panel. For full details, please visit: https://www.nlpb.ca/call-for-expression-of-interest-disciplinary-panel
Members of the Disciplinary Panel are called on occasionally to sit on three-person adjudication tribunals to hear complaints regarding registrants who are referred by the Complaints Authorization Committee.
If you are interested, please submit your name, contact information, a brief bio (including any relevant experience), and a few lines about why you are interested in being part of the Disciplinary Panel to complaints@nlpb.ca.
CAPT Annual Conference
Canadian Association of Pharmacy Technicians (CAPT) National Professional Development Conference
Developed by pharmacy technicians for pharmacy technicians across Canada, CAPT’s annual conference provides the opportunity to learn new techniques and new ideas, and network with others who are passionate about their profession. The 2023 Annual Conference will be taking place June 23-25 at the Marriott Harbourfront Hotel in Halifax, NS.
Some topics include:
Discovering BPMH, The Mystery Unraveled!
Leadership Roles for Pharmacy Technicians: Keep Calm and Lead On!
Career Spotlight
For more information on the conference program and to register, click here.
The Early Bird Discount ends May 14, 2023.
Stay Informed!
Did you know that NLPB posts up-to-date links to important health product and medication safety information on its website? Check out the Health Canada & ISMP Advisories page for MedEffect advisories as well as current issues of Health Product InfoWatch, ISMP Canada Safety Bulletin, and Safe Medication Use Newsletter all in one place.
Issue #92 – June 2023
Call for Nominations – Board Representatives
NLPB is currently seeking nominations for Zone 5 (Hospital Pharmacist), Zone 6 (Pharmacy Technician), and Zone 7 (At-Large Pharmacists) board representatives. Pharmacy professionals are entitled to be nominated and vote in the zone in which they practice the majority of their time. Please note, Zone 7 is open to all registered pharmacists regardless of their practice site.
For information on the responsibilities and priorities of NLPB, please see About The Board and NLPB Strategic Action Plan 2020-22.
A link to the NLPB bylaws which govern the election process and the timeline for this year’s election are attached to this notice.
The completed nomination form must be received by email, fax, or mail by Friday, June 23, 2023.
This is an opportunity to contribute your knowledge, skills, and expertise by becoming an NLPB board member. The newly elected members will commence their three-year term following the announcement of the results during the Annual General Meeting on August 25, 2023. Good luck with the nominations!
Nominations 2023 Package and Form
Nominations 2023 Package and Form (print only)
NLPB By-laws
NLPB Board Elections 2023 Timeline
Professional Practice
NLPB will be relaunching the Professional Practice Webinar Series this fall to further support pharmacy professionals in their practice. These webinars will cover topics related to NLPB’s role in public protection, such as quality assurance and continuous quality improvement; understanding standards, guidelines, policy, and legislation; providing safe and ethical care; and managing interactions with patients.
In developing the upcoming webinar series, NLPB is calling on registered pharmacy professionals to submit topics of interest for consideration. If there is a topic you would like to learn more about, please send it to communications@nlpb.ca.
Requests for Letters of Standing Now Online
Requests for a Letter of Standing must now be submitted online through the NLPB Registrant Portal. For instructions on submitting a request for a letter of standing online, please refer to the NLPB Registrant Portal User Guide – Requesting a Letter of Standing.
Please note, both Active and Inactive registrants can submit requests for letters of standing through the NLPB Registrant Portal. If you have been inactive for some time and have never accessed the new NLPB Registrant Portal, click the Forgot Password button and enter your email address to have a new temporary password sent to you. Follow the instructions in the email to access the system. Once logged into the NLPB Registrant Portal, you will be asked to create a new password and security questions. Please note that both passwords and security questions are case-sensitive. If you do not receive an email containing a temporary password please contact registration@nlpb.ca to ensure your email address is up-to-date in the system.
Returning from Leave – Submitting Professional Development Requirements
Previously registered pharmacy professionals who are on leave but intend to re-register with NLPB within the current year are advised to contact registration@nlpb.ca if they wish to begin documenting their professional development activities in the NLPB Registrant Portal.
Professional Development Accreditation Services
As communicated in the Spring 2022 issue of The Apothecary, NLPB will cease accreditation services by November 30, 2023. The interpretation guide for Professional Development Requirements for Pharmacists and Pharmacy Technicians provides a list of accrediting bodies currently recognized by NLPB. NLPB encourages individuals and organizations seeking accreditation for pharmacy continuing education and professional development, to contact the Canadian Council on Continuing Education in Pharmacy (CCCEP) for information on accreditation services.
Revised Standards of Pharmacy Operation for Community Pharmacy
As announced in the fall of 2022, NLPB has approved the revised Standards of Pharmacy Operation for Community Pharmacy.
The expectation is that the requirements of the Standards should be met at the earliest possible date but no later than September 1, 2023. All new pharmacy openings will be expected to meet the Standards at the time of opening.
Pharmacy professionals, including pharmacists-in-charge, pharmacists, and pharmacy technicians, should review the recent article in the Fall 2022 issue of The Apothecary for a summary of key changes and also review the Standards in their entirety at their earliest convenience.
Additional resources:
Webinars
- Implementing Standards – Revised Standards of Pharmacy Operation for Community Pharmacy Part 1 & Part 2 are now available through the NLPB Online Learning Portal.
CAPT Annual Conference
Canadian Association of Pharmacy Technicians (CAPT) National Professional Development Conference
Developed by pharmacy technicians for pharmacy technicians across Canada, CAPT’s annual conference provides the opportunity to learn new techniques and new ideas, and network with others who are passionate about their profession. The 2023 Annual Conference will be taking place June 23-25 at the Marriott Harbourfront Hotel in Halifax, NS.
Some topics include:
Discovering BPMH, The Mystery Unraveled!
Leadership Roles for Pharmacy Technicians: Keep Calm and Lead On!
Career Spotlight
For more information on the conference program and to register, click here.
Invitation to Participate in New Study by PHAC and Health Canada
Public Health Agency of Canada and Health Canada need your help.
Please complete a short survey about health worker perceptions of COVID-19 vaccine effectiveness, acceptance, and drivers of vaccine decision-making.
This is a first-of-its-kind survey evaluating the real-world COVID-19 vaccine uptake and performance among health workers.
Health professionals and health workers do not need to have been vaccinated to take part in this study.
Please take around 15 minutes to complete this anonymous and confidential survey by 26 June.
Your responses are anonymous and confidential.
For further information please visit the FAQs and Privacy Notice website. If you need alternative means of accessing the survey or require any technical assistance, please contact surveyqueries@ipsos.com.
Issue #93 – July 2023
Second Call for Nominations – Board Representatives
NLPB is issuing a second call for nominations for board representatives in Zones 5 (Hospital Pharmacist) & Zone 7 (At-Large Pharmacists), due to an insufficient number of nominations received for the three positions available.
Nominations must be submitted no later than Sunday, July 30, 2023.
Please note, nominations for Zone 6 have closed; election information will be released next month.
| NLPB needs dedicated pharmacy professionals interested in supporting their profession in the best interest of the public they serve. Is that you? |
| Then submit your nomination form now for one of three positions open for election on NLPB’s board of directors. |
Call for Expression of Interest – OAMT Standards Task Force
NLPB is currently seeking interested pharmacists or pharmacy technicians to serve as members of a task force to review revisions to NLPB’s Standards for the Safe and Effective Provision of Opioid Agonist Maintenance Treatment. The primary role of this task force will be to review and provide feedback regarding draft revisions to these Standards of Practice in advance of a new draft being presented to the board for consideration later this fall.
If you are interested in participating, please submit your name, contact information, a brief bio, and a few lines about why you’d like to be a member of the working group to inforx@nlpb.ca by Friday, July 28, 2023.
Revisions to Pharmaceutical Services Act in Relation to the TRPP Program
NLPB is sharing the following information on behalf of the Provincial Government’s Department of Health & Community Services:
On May 25, 2023, the Pharmaceutical Services Act was amended to:
- update the definition of “prescriber” to include pharmacists, midwives, and registered nurses;
- update the Tamper Resistant Drug Pad Program to accommodate; exemptions issued under the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act;
- update reference of “Trial Division” to the correct reference “Supreme Court”;
- update statutory references; and
- incorporate gender-neutral language.
Changes to the Tamper Resistant Drug Pad Program were necessary to allow pharmacists to dispense in accordance with the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act Subsection 56(1) Class Exemption, in effect until September 2026. This amendment allows for prescription transfers (in-province and from out of province) and the ability to accept verbal prescriptions without the requirement of a TRPP. These changes will remove barriers to access and ensure continuity of care for individuals requiring treatment with controlled substances.
Please note that this change does not mean that the TRPP program is no longer in effect. It is still the “default” method of providing patients with prescriptions for controlled drugs and substances that are subject to the program. This change is simply intended to provide practitioners and pharmacists with an alternate means of communicating and receiving these prescriptions in times when it is not possible or practically feasible to use the TRPP pad.
HEALTH CANADA: Updated Guidance Document for Community Pharmacies
NLPB is sharing the following information on behalf of Health Canada’s Office of Controlled Substances:
Health Canada recently released an updated guidance document for community pharmacists to help pharmacists comply with the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act and its associated regulations. The document includes information on:
- physical security measures and restricted access,
- destruction procedures and records,
- inventory and reconciliation,
- record-keeping (purchase and receiving, dispensing, returns, etc.),
- pharmacy closure or transfer of ownership,
- loss and theft reporting,
- notice of restriction, and
- section 56 class exemption.
The guidance document can be found on Health Canada’s new web page, which also contains other resources for pharmacists on controlled substances and precursors. Questions about this information can be directed to compliance-conformite@hc-sc.gc.ca.
Professional Practice Webinar – Professional Liability Insurance – Protect the Public and Protect your Practice
Join NLPB for a review of the professional liability insurance (PLI) requirements for registered pharmacy professionals and a look into the importance of PLI coverage and documentation on Wednesday, July 26, 2023, 6:30-7:30 pm (NT). In this webinar, General Counsel and Director of Complaints & Discipline, Natalie Payne and Director of Quality and Pharmacy Licensing, Kelda Newport will review:
- Recently implemented changes to the Professional Liability Insurance Requirements for Registration.
- The Code of Ethics and how they relate to professional liability insurance.
- The importance of liability to both you and your patients; and
- Why maintaining an up-to-date record of your professional liability insurance information and documentation in the NLPB Registrant Portal is so important.
Date: July 26, 2023
Time: 6:30-7:30 pm (NT)
| Presenters: | Kelda Newport (she/her) RPh, (BSc Pharm, MPH), Director of Quality and Pharmacy Licensing |
| Natalie Payne (she/her) (JD, BA), General Counsel and Director of Complaints & Discipline |
Click to Register
This webinar will be hosted through Microsoft Teams.
Please note the changes to the Professional Liability Insurance Requirements for Registration are required to be implemented no later than September 30, 2023. Pharmacy professionals who are scheduled to renew their PLI policy before that date may implement the changes at that time. Pharmacy professionals who are not scheduled to renew their PLI policy before that date are required to proactively make the changes in advance of September 30, 2023.
Professional Liability Insurance – Coverage and Documentation
Have you recently renewed your Professional Liability Insurance (PLI)? All registered pharmacy professionals, whether or not you are currently practicing, are required to carry sufficient PLI as per NLPB’s Professional Liability Insurance Requirements for Registration.
Upon policy renewal, you are required to upload an annual certificate of coverage and update your policy information in your NLPB profile. To upload your insurance certificate and update your policy information, log into the Registrant Portal and select Professional Liability Insurance from the menu. For specific instructions, refer to the NLPB Registrant Portal User Guide – Adding/Updating Professional Liability Insurance.
Please note, as of September 30, 2023, all registered pharmacy professionals are required to ensure their policy contains a clause that the insurer will notify NLPB if the policy is canceled, expires, or no longer meets NLPB requirements.
Keep your insurance up to date to protect the public and protect your practice.
Welcome Norm Lace – NLPB’s new Hospital Pharmacy Practice Consultant
We are excited to announce that Norm Lace has joined the NLPB team as our new part-time contractual Hospital Pharmacy Practice Consultant, replacing Ken Walsh who has served in the role since 2019.
In his new role, Norm will be responsible for supporting the quality and safety of hospital pharmacy practice by assessing licensing applications, conducting pharmacy visits, answering questions about the application of regulatory requirements, and assisting with the development of NLPB standards and policies. Norm brings a wealth of experience in hospital pharmacy practice and change management. He’s a graduate of the College of Trades and Technology Pharmacy Program and has worked as a hospital pharmacist for 32 years, spending over 20 years in management positions; most recently, the Regional Director of Pharmacy for Eastern Health, which he retired from in 2020. Norm is known for making a significant impact on hospital pharmacies in the province during his years of practice, including leading advancements in technology, integration of pharmacy technicians, initiation of a pharmacy residency program for pharmacists, and improvements in sterile compounding infrastructure. Since 2020, Norm has continued to maintain and expand his pharmacy practice knowledge through practice as a relief pharmacist in community pharmacy. Norm’s hospital knowledge and experience will certainly benefit our quality assurance and licensing processes.
Welcome, Norm!
| Ken Walsh will continue to support the NLPB QA portfolio until mid-August. |
| NLPB board and staff would like to extend sincere appreciation to Ken for his significant contributions over the past 4 years and wish him all the best in his retirement. |
2022 Annual Report
NLPB’s 2022 Annual Report is now available for viewing online at https://nlpb.ca/media/Annual-Report-2022.pdf
The report showcases NLPB’s achievements and highlights the challenges overcome during the year, as well as provides updates on registration, pharmacy licensing, quality assurance, professional practice, and complaints and discipline.
Professional Practice
NLPB will be relaunching the Professional Practice Webinar Series this fall to further support pharmacy professionals in their practice. These webinars will cover topics related to NLPB’s role in public protection, such as quality assurance and continuous quality improvement; understanding standards, guidelines, policy, and legislation; providing safe and ethical care; and managing interactions with patients.
In developing the upcoming webinar series, NLPB is calling on registered pharmacy professionals to submit topics of interest for consideration. If there is a topic you would like to learn more about, please send it to communications@nlpb.ca.
Maintaining the Pharmacy Profile
Are you a new Pharmacist in charge (PIC) or a PIC who has recently changed pharmacies?
As PIC, it is your responsibility to ensure the pharmacy profile is kept up to date. Upon becoming PIC of a pharmacy, log into the Pharmacy Portal and ensure all information is correct and that the pharmacy email is not that of the previous PIC. Please note, the pharmacy email is listed on the pharmacy profile in the public register and may be used by the public or health professionals to contact the pharmacy, as such it should be a dedicated pharmacy email, rather than a personal email, that is checked regularly.
Please note, PICs can log into the Pharmacy Portal using the same email and password as is used to log into the Registrant Portal.
Professional Development Accreditation Services
As communicated in the Spring 2022 issue of The Apothecary, NLPB will cease accreditation services by November 30, 2023. The interpretation guide for Professional Development Requirements for Pharmacists and Pharmacy Technicians provides a list of accrediting bodies currently recognized by NLPB. NLPB encourages individuals and organizations seeking accreditation for pharmacy continuing education and professional development, to contact the Canadian Council on Continuing Education in Pharmacy (CCCEP) for information on accreditation services.
Revised Standards of Pharmacy Operation for Community Pharmacy
As announced in the fall of 2022, NLPB has approved the revised Standards of Pharmacy Operation for Community Pharmacy.
The expectation is that the requirements of the Standards should be met at the earliest possible date but no later than September 1, 2023. All new pharmacy openings will be expected to meet the Standards at the time of opening.
Pharmacy professionals, including pharmacists-in-charge, pharmacists, and pharmacy technicians, should review the recent article in the Fall 2022 issue of The Apothecary for a summary of key changes and also review the Standards in their entirety at their earliest convenience.
Additional resources:
Webinars
- Implementing Standards – Revised Standards of Pharmacy Operation for Community Pharmacy Part 1 & Part 2 are now available through the NLPB Online Learning Portal.
Please Leave a Message… |
| Periodically, NLPB receives questions or comments from pharmacy professionals asking why staff are not answering their phone lines. We also often experience situations where individuals call multiple staff lines when they do not get an immediate answer but do not leave a message to allow someone to call them back.
NLPB staff primarily work in the office but may not be immediately accessible on their phone line or email, as each staff member, including the office administrator, have multiple roles to cover, meetings to attend, or may be on another call. However, voicemails are regularly checked, and staff members get email alerts when a message is left on their phone line. If a member of our staff is out-of-office, they will include that notification in their voicemail or automated email reply as well as information on where to redirect your inquiry. We want to assist you; so please leave a detailed message about your question or concern when you call staff and get their voicemail. This will help us appropriately prioritize and prepare to answer your question if we need to collect additional information before calling you back. Also, to prevent duplication of work and inefficiency, please don’t leave the same message on multiple lines; staff will redirect your voicemail to the most appropriate person if they are not in the best position to answer your question or address your concern. |
Issue #94 – August 2023
Annual General Meeting Rescheduled
NLPB’s Annual General Meeting (AGM), which was originally scheduled to take place on Friday, August 25, 2023, has been rescheduled to accommodate the second call for nominations for board representatives, which was issued on June 30, 2023. The NLPB Bylaws outline the timeline requirements regarding board elections as it relates to the AGM. As NLPB was required to issue a second call for nominations, the election timeline has been extended.
The second call for nominations has now closed and elections will begin on August 29, 2023. All eligible voters will be notified by email at that time.
Advanced Primary Care Pharmacist Training Program (sharing on behalf of AFPC)
As the scope of practice expands, the more opportunities there are for pharmacists in primary care. The new Advanced Primary Care Pharmacist Training Program from the Association of Faculties of Pharmacy of Canada (AFPC) can prepare you with skills and confidence.
The innovative program uses a combination of online and in-person training over 20 weeks (October 2023 to February 2024). Start at your own site, train alongside primary care colleagues on an external rotation, then start applying what you have learned back at your own site. There is no cost to you — receive income replacement while on your 4-6 week experiential placement at an interdisciplinary primary care clinic.
Why take this training?
- Increase your confidence and competence to perform to the full extent of your scope of practice, as you become more efficient and capable with enhanced skills.
- Gain more job satisfaction with the skills and techniques you learn to provide even better patient care.
- Become more competitive in the job market with advanced skills, to improve your opportunities.
Only 15 pharmacists will be accepted and the deadline to apply is August 18, 2023. To be eligible, you must be a practicing, licensed pharmacist in Canada with at least 3 years of experience.
The program is one of AFPC’s Pharmacist Training for Comprehensive Primary Care (PT4CPC) projects, which are part of the national initiative to accelerate change in how primary care practitioners work together, Team Primary Care: Training for Transformation. This initiative is funded by the Government of Canada’s Sectoral Workforce Solutions Program.
For more information visit the AFPC website.
Professional Liability Insurance – Coverage and Documentation
Have you recently renewed your Professional Liability Insurance (PLI)? All registered pharmacy professionals, whether or not you are currently practicing, are required to carry sufficient PLI as per NLPB’s Professional Liability Insurance Requirements for Registration.
Upon policy renewal, you are required to upload an annual certificate of coverage and update your policy information in your NLPB profile. To upload your insurance certificate and update your policy information, log into the Registrant Portal and select Professional Liability Insurance from the menu. For specific instructions, refer to the NLPB Registrant Portal User Guide – Adding/Updating Professional Liability Insurance.
Please note, as of September 30, 2023, all registered pharmacy professionals are required to ensure their policy contains a clause that the insurer will notify NLPB if the policy is canceled, expires, or no longer meets NLPB requirements.
Keep your insurance up to date to protect the public and protect your practice.
Additional resources:
Webinars
- Professional Liability Insurance: Protect the Public and Protect your Practice webinar is now available through the NLPB Online Learning Portal.
IMPLEMENTATION DEADLINE IN 3 WEEKS
Standards of Pharmacy Operation for Community Pharmacy
As announced in the fall of 2022, NLPB has approved the revised Standards of Pharmacy Operation for Community Pharmacy.
The expectation is that the requirements of the Standards should be met at the earliest possible date but no later than September 1, 2023. All new pharmacy openings will be expected to meet the Standards at the time of opening.
Pharmacy professionals, including pharmacists-in-charge, pharmacists, and pharmacy technicians, should review the recent article in the Fall 2022 issue of The Apothecary for a summary of key changes and also review the Standards in their entirety at their earliest convenience.
Additional resources:
Webinars
- Implementing Standards – Revised Standards of Pharmacy Operation for Community Pharmacy Part 1 & Part 2 are now available through the NLPB Online Learning Portal.
Maintaining the Pharmacy Profile
Are you a new Pharmacist in charge (PIC) or a PIC who has recently changed pharmacies?
As PIC, it is your responsibility to ensure the pharmacy profile is kept up to date. Upon approval to become PIC of a pharmacy, log into the Pharmacy Portal and ensure all information is correct and that the pharmacy email is not that of the previous PIC. Please note, the pharmacy email is listed on the pharmacy profile in the public register and may be used by the public or health professionals to contact the pharmacy, as such it should be a dedicated pharmacy email, rather than a personal email, that is checked regularly.
Please note, PICs can log into the Pharmacy Portal using the same email and password as is used to log into the Registrant Portal.
Professional Development Accreditation Services
As communicated in the Spring 2022 issue of The Apothecary, NLPB will cease accreditation services by November 30, 2023. The interpretation guide for Professional Development Requirements for Pharmacists and Pharmacy Technicians provides a list of accrediting bodies currently recognized by NLPB. NLPB encourages individuals and organizations seeking accreditation for pharmacy continuing education and professional development, to contact the Canadian Council on Continuing Education in Pharmacy (CCCEP) for information on accreditation services.
Issue #95 – October 2023
We’re Hiring!
Office Administrator & Executive Assistant
NLPB is now hiring for the full-time position of Office Administrator & Executive Assistant. For full details please visit the NLPB website: https://nlpb.ca/now-hiring-office-administrator-executive-assistant/
Qualified applicants are invited to submit a resume and a cover letter outlining why they are interested in this opportunity and how their work experience has prepared them for this role to careers@nlpb.ca by October 27, 2023.
While NLPB appreciates all applicants, only those short-listed for an interview will be contacted.
Opioid Agonist Maintenance Treatment Standards of Practice Consultation Now Open
Over the past year, NLPB has been working on revisions to the Standards for the Safe and Effective Provision of Opioid Agonist Maintenance Treatment. Please refer to the Background section below for more details regarding this project.
At this time, we are inviting pharmacy professionals and other interested parties to provide feedback on a new draft of the Standards of Practice.
This consultation is being conducted using a secure online survey. Individual survey responses are anonymous and confidential. All participants are advised to review the draft standards before participating in the survey and make notes as necessary to refer to while completing the survey.
- Review the Draft Standards of Practice for the Safe and Effective Provision of Opioid Agonist Maintenance Treatment.
(https://nlpb.ca/media/SOPP-OUD-DRAFT-for-consultation-Oct2023.pdf) - Complete the Opioid Agonist Maintenance Treatment Standards of Practice Consultation Survey.
(https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/P6VSF6N)
If you are unable to access the document or survey by clicking the link, copy and paste the link into your web browser’s address bar.
Please note: You can leave the survey at any time and resume later if you use the same computer and web browser as when you began the survey. If you attempt to resume the survey on another computer or using a different browser, you will have to restart the survey from the beginning.
The deadline for completing the survey is November 30, 2023.
The draft Standards of Practice was developed based on feedback from the Newfoundland and Labrador Centre on Substance Use and in collaboration with a task force comprised of pharmacy professionals who participate in the provision of medications to treat opioid use disorder in the province. In preparing this document, consideration was given to:
- adding content related to ethical considerations, including principles of stigma, trauma-informed care, and harm reduction;
- reducing the amount of clinical content contained within the standards, as this content can change over the lifespan of the standards document;
- eliminating links to specific references, education programs, etc., as these links can change or expire over the lifespan of the standards document;
- eliminating the “authorization” processes for both pharmacists and pharmacies in the interest of reducing stigma; and
- streamlining sections related to assessing prescriptions and releasing doses to help reduce repetition throughout the document.
The feedback that is received during this consultation will inform and support the final draft of the standards that will be submitted to the NLPB Board of Directors for approval in early 2024.If you have any questions regarding the purpose of the survey or the use of survey data, please contact Melanie Healey, Deputy Registrar and Director of Practice & Registration, at mhealey@nlpb.ca or (709) 753-5877 ext. 202.
We appreciate your time and look forward to your feedback.
Annual Registration and Pharmacy Licence Renewals
NLPB’s annual renewal period for registration and pharmacy licensing open today, Monday, October 23, 2023. The deadline to renew is November 30, 2023. Late renewals will be charged an additional fee; for more information, please refer to the 2024 Schedule of Fees. Renewals are not complete until full payment has been received.
| WEBINAR: For an overview of NLPB’s Registration and Pharmacy Licensing Renewals for 2024, check out our recent webinar in the learning portal Guide to Annual Registration and Pharmacy Licensing Renewals. |
Registration Renewal: To renew your pharmacist or pharmacy technician registration, log on to the Registrant Portal and select the Registration Renewal option in the side menu. Prepare for renewals by reviewing theBefore You Renew Your Registration section.
| For instructions on renewing your registration in the NLPB online Registrant Portal, please refer to the NLPB Registrant Portal User Guide – Renewing Your Registration. |
Pharmacy Licence Renewal: To renew the pharmacy licence, pharmacists-in-charge must log on to the Pharmacy Portal and select Licence Applications & Renewal option in the side menu. Please note that pharmacists in charge must log into the Pharmacy Portal using the same login credentials as they use to access the Registrant Portal.Prepare for renewals by reviewing the Before You Renew The Pharmacy Licence section.
| For instructions on renewing the pharmacy licence in the NLPB online Pharmacy Portal, please refer to the NLPB Pharmacy Portal User Guide – Renewing the Pharmacy Licence. |
The online renewal process can be saved after each step and returned to for completion at a later time. For security purposes, the system will automatically log out of your account after 30 minutes of inactivity. Please note, you must click the Save or Save & Continue buttons every 30 minutes to ensure your progress is successfully saved.
Once you have completed the online renewal process, you can print your receipt by clicking the Invoices & Receipts link in the side menu and clicking the Review button next to the appropriate invoice. The updated registration and pharmacy licence certificates will be available for download on January 1, 2024.
BEFORE YOU RENEW YOUR REGISTRATION
- Pay all outstanding invoices.
- Document your required 15 CEUs in the NLPB online Registrant Portal.
- Confirm you have worked a minimum of 420 practice hours in the past two calendar years.
- Save a digital copy of all required documentation, including your professional liability insurance policy certificate and first aid & CPR certification (if applicable)
Documenting Learning Activities
All registered pharmacists and pharmacy technicians are required to complete 15 CEUs between December 1, 2022 and November 30, 2023 to be eligible to renew their annual registration for 2024. A minimum of 7.5 CEUs must be accredited and the remaining may be either accredited or self-assigned.
For additional information on professional development requirements, please refer to the following:
- Professional Development Requirements for Pharmacists and Pharmacy Technicians Interpretation Guide
- FAQs about Professional Development
| For instructions and tips on entering professional development in the NLPB online Registrant Portal, please refer to the NLPB Registrant Portal User Guide – Adding Professional Development Activities. |
All documentation for each learning activity must be entered in the online Registrant Portal prior to renewing your registration. Once submitted, the records will no longer be able to be edited.
Required Documents
Professional Liability Insurance
All registered pharmacy professionals are required to maintain professional liability insurance (PLI) in a form and amount satisfactory to NLPB and to ensure a current copy of their professional liability insurance is uploaded to the NLPB Registrant Portal within 30 days of the policy renewal or start date.
For more information, please refer to the Professional Liability Insurance Requirements for Registration Interpretation Guide.
As part of the online renewal process, you must review your insurance documentation to ensure it is current. Please check the PLI certificate on file to confirm it is accurate and up to date. If your policy has expired, you are required to update both the policy details and the certificate on file.
| For instructions and tips on entering professional liability insurance in the NLPB online Registrant Portal, please refer to the NLPB Registrant Portal User Guide – Adding & Updating Professional Liability Insurance. |
First Aid & CPR Certification
Pharmacists who are authorized to administer drug therapy by inhalation or injection must upload proof of current first aid and CPR certification.
A new section has been added to the NLPB Registrant Portal to accept this documentation and will be included as a step in the online registration renewal process.
BEFORE YOU RENEW THE PHARMACY LICENCE
- Pharmacists in charge must renew their personal registration with NLPB before renewing the pharmacy licence.
- Confirm the method of payment with the owner to ensure sufficient time is allotted to receive the payment from the owner and send it to NLPB prior to the renewal deadline.
- Information you will need to renew the pharmacy licence:
- Hours of Operation
For instructions on entering hours of operation in the NLPB online Pharmacy Portal, please refer to the NLPB Pharmacy Portal User Guide – Adding & Updating Hours of Operation. - Current list of additional pharmacy services provided by the pharmacy
- Current list of dispensary personnel
For instructions on entering staff in the NLPB online Pharmacy Portal, please refer to the NLPB Pharmacy Portal User Guide – Adding & Updating Staff Listing. - Pharmacy ownership information, including updated contact information
- Hours of Operation
Updated CIHI Data Collection
NLPB has been collecting information on behalf of the Canadian Institute for Health Information (CIHI) through a data-sharing agreement since 1996, in order to support them in providing healthcare information that improves the health of Canadians. At this time, the data-sharing agreement is limited to the submission of information provided by pharmacists only.
The Health Human Resources Minimum Data Set (HHR MDS), which is a guidance document for the collection and submission of health human resources information to CIHI’s Health Workforce Database, has recently been updated based on the results of the HHR MDS Modernization Project. The updates include the addition of 16 new data elements. Additional updates, such as expanded options, have been made to 27 other data elements.
Most of the new fields are demographic or employment-related and have been added to either the personal profile or employment information sections of NLPB’s online Registrant Portal.
The new demographic fields, which include Language of Service, Sex at Birth, Indigenous Identity, and Ethnicity, are required fields for all registered pharmacy professionals. However, registered pharmacy professionals can choose the “Prefer Not to Answer Option” for all but the Language of Service fields.
Most of the additional employment-related fields, have been designated as optional fields in NLPB’s online Registrant Portal, as only pharmacists are asked to complete them at this time.
Please note that several fields allow for multiple selections. Please limit your selection to up to three options, as that is the limit of responses CIHI will accept for these questions.
Useful Links:
- Learn more about CIHI at cihi.ca/en/about-cihi
- Learn more about the 2022 HHR MDS Data Standard
- Review the recently updated NLPB Collection, Use, and Disclosure of Registrants’ Personal Information Registration Policy.
MedSTEP NL Program – Implementation and Resources
NLPB’s MedSTEP NL web resources for community pharmacies launched in September 2023 alongside the publication of the Standards of Practice for Continuous Quality Improvement (CQI) and Medication Incident Reporting (MIR), which describe the minimum acceptable standards for the MedSTEP NL program and are intended to promote consistency in CQI and MIR throughout the province.
MedSTEP NL includes elements of reporting, analyzing, documenting, and shared learning from medication incidents and near-miss events with the objective of continuously reviewing and improving the quality and safety of pharmacy practice in the province.
The first implementation deadline for the program is the review of standards and resources by December 31, 2023. To complete this review community pharmacies must ensure the following:
- Pharmacist-in-charge (PIC) reviews and understands NLPB’s Standards of Practice for Continuous Quality Improvement (CQI) and Medication Incident Reporting (MIR) and CQI and MIR information and resources available on the NLPB website.
- PIC starts to develop a pharmacy policies and procedures manual for MedSTEP NL.
- Pharmacy staff members, including pharmacists, pharmacy technicians, and pharmacy assistants, review and understand NLPB’s standards of practice for CQI and MIR and CQI and MIR information and resources available on the NLPB website.
Visit the website, nlpb.ca/medstep-nl for an overview of the program, requirements, implementation, and more.
Professional Development Accreditation Services
As communicated in the Spring 2022 issue of The Apothecary, NLPB will cease accreditation services by November 30, 2023. The interpretation guide for Professional Development Requirements for Pharmacists and Pharmacy Technicians provides a list of accrediting bodies currently recognized by NLPB. NLPB encourages individuals and organizations seeking accreditation for pharmacy continuing education and professional development, to contact the Canadian Council on Continuing Education in Pharmacy (CCCEP) for information on accreditation services.
CAPT Virtual National Conference
The Canadian Association of Pharmacy Technicians Professional Development Conference is coming up on Sunday, November 12, 2023, beginning at 11:30 a.m. (EST).
Registration is still open for this 4-session, 1-day event, which will cover topics such as compounding, obesity pharmacotherapy, glucose monitors, and preventative treatment of HIV-prone patients. Click to view the full conference brochure.
Registration is $50 for members and non-members.
Register Today!
Issue #96 – November 2023
We’re Hiring!
Complaints and Discipline Administrator
NLPB is now hiring for the full-time position of Complaints and Discipline Administrator. For full details please visit the NLPB website: https://nlpb.ca/now-hiring-complaints-and-discipline-administrator/
Qualified applicants are invited to submit a resume and a cover letter outlining why they are interested in this opportunity and how their work experience has prepared them for this role to careers@nlpb.ca by Friday, November 17, 2023.
While NLPB appreciates all applicants, only those short-listed for an interview will be contacted.
Upcoming Webinar: PHIA – A Personal Health Information Act Overview
NLPB has partnered with the Office of the Information and Privacy Commissioner (OIPC) of Newfoundland and Labrador to present PHIA: a Personal Health Information Act Overview webinar for pharmacy professionals on Thursday, November 23, 2023, 7:00-8:15pm (NST). In this webinar, Allison Oser, Access and Privacy Analyst, OIPC and Sean Murray, Director of Research and Quality Assurance, OIPC will review the role and responsibilities of a custodian as it pertains to pharmacy professionals, including:
- collection of personal health information,
- documentation and storage requirements,
- requirements and obligations for disclosure of information,
- security obligations and safeguards,
- conducting a privacy impact assessment, and
- privacy breaches and notification requirement
Date: November 23, 2023
Time: 7:00-8:15 pm (NDT)
| Presenters: | Allison Oser, Access and Privacy Analyst, OIPC |
| Sean Murray, Director of Research and Quality Assurance, OIPC |
Click to Register
This webinar will be hosted through Microsoft Teams.
Recent Revisions to Authorization to Administer Drug Therapy by Inhalation or Injection Regulations and Standards of Practice
Recently approved revisions to the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador Authorization to Administer Drug Therapy by Inhalation or Injection Regulations and the NLPB Standards of Practice – Administration of Drug THerapy by Inhalation or Injection now permit NLPB registered pharmacy technicians to apply for authorization to administer injections.
Pharmacy technicians must complete accredited education and training on the administration of injections and acceptable certification in First Aid and CPR and provide related documentation to NLPB when applying for authorization.
| Where can I access an acceptable injection education and training course? |
| The Canadian Council on Continuing Education in Pharmacy (CCCEP) provides competency-mapped accreditation for injection education and training programs and maintains a list of programs that currently have accreditation on their website at: https://www.cccep.ca/pages/immunization_and_injections.html. |
| Memorial University School of Pharmacy is in the process of redeveloping their injection training program for both pharmacists and pharmacy technicians and currently awaiting approval on their accreditation request from CCCEP. NLPB will share any communications related to this offering when it becomes available. |
Pharmacy technicians who have met the requirements listed above can apply for authorization through the NLPB Registrant Portal.
Other changes that have been made to the Standards of Practice at this time include:
- Reducing the age limit for the administration of vaccines for COVID-19 and influenza from 5 years of age to two years of age
- Integration of the previously standalone practice policy related to pharmacy interns and students participating in the administration of inhalations or injections.
- Adding wording restricting pharmacy professionals from administering drugs or other substances for cosmetic purposes.
Annual Registration and Pharmacy Licence Renewals
Pharmacy professionals and pharmacists-in-charge have two weeks left to renew their registration and/or pharmacy license for 2024 and avoid late fees.
NLPB’s annual renewal period for registration and pharmacy licensing is now open. The deadline to renew is November 30, 2023. Late renewals will be charged an additional fee; for more information, please refer to the 2024 Schedule of Fees. Renewals are not complete until full payment has been received.
For more information regarding renewals, including tips and how-to guides, please visit NLPB’s Annual Registration and Pharmacy Licensing Renewal webpage.
Professional Development Documentation Requirements for Renewal
All registered pharmacists and pharmacy technicians are required to complete 15 CEUs between December 1, 2022 and November 30, 2023 to be eligible to renew their annual registration for 2024. A minimum of 7.5 CEUs must be accredited and the remaining may be either accredited or self-assigned.
| For instructions and tips on entering professional development in the NLPB online Registrant Portal, please refer to the NLPB Registrant Portal User Guide – Adding Professional Development Activities. |
TIPS FOR DOCUMENTING PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT ACTIVITIES
A 30-minute inactivity log-out feature is one of several security measures enabled in the registrant portal. You will automatically be logged out of your account after 30 minutes of inactivity and the system does not recognize typing as an activity. If you spend more than 30 minutes typing in a single field, your information will not be saved.
To assist you in adjusting to this security feature, below are some tips for recording and successfully submitting learning activities.
- Save supporting documents in a dedicated location on your device so they are easy to find when you are ready to upload the files.
- Have your notes on hand when you are recording learning activities in the registrant portal.
- Make notes in a document on your computer so you can copy and paste the information into the online form in the registrant portal.
- When creating a new record, first upload the supporting document, enter the Program Title, insert placeholder text (i.e. TBD), and click Save to ensure the new record is successfully created. You can update the record again at any time before submitting your renewal.
- Make sure the learning objectives/description and key learnings and integration into practice are concise.
- Registrants can also upload a copy of the completed Learning Activity Notes form (available on our website at https://nlpb.ca/quality-assurance/professional-development/) as a supporting document and reference the information by entering “See attached” in the Learning Objectives/Description of Activity and Key Learnings and Integration into Practice fields.
Opioid Agonist Maintenance Treatment Standards of Practice Consultation
Over the past year, NLPB has been working on revisions to the Standards for the Safe and Effective Provision of Opioid Agonist Maintenance Treatment. Please refer to the At this time, we are inviting pharmacy professionals and other interested parties to provide feedback on a new draft of the Standards of Practice.Background section below for more details regarding this project.
This consultation is being conducted using a secure online survey. Individual survey responses are anonymous and confidential. All participants are advised to review the draft standards before participating in the survey and make notes as necessary to refer to while completing the survey.
- Review the Draft Standards of Practice for the Safe and Effective Provision of Opioid Agonist Maintenance Treatment.
(https://nlpb.ca/media/SOPP-OUD-DRAFT-for-consultation-Oct2023.pdf) - Complete the Opioid Agonist Maintenance Treatment Standards of Practice Consultation Survey.
(https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/P6VSF6N)
If you are unable to access the document or survey by clicking the link, copy and paste the link into your web browser’s address bar.
Please note: You can leave the survey at any time and resume later if you use the same computer and web browser as when you began the survey. If you attempt to resume the survey on another computer or using a different browser, you will have to restart the survey from the beginning.
The deadline for completing the survey is November 30, 2023.
The feedback that is received during this consultation will inform and support the final draft of the standards that will be submitted to the NLPB Board of Directors for approval in early 2024.
For more information, please visit NLPB’s website at https://nlpb.ca/opioid-agonist-maintenance-treatment-standards-of-practice-consultation-now-open/
If you have any questions regarding the purpose of the survey or the use of survey data, please contact Melanie Healey, Deputy Registrar and Director of Practice & Registration, at mhealey@nlpb.ca or (709) 753-5877 ext. 202.
We appreciate your time and look forward to your feedback.
Project ECHO NL: Substance Use (Cycle 1)
Session 5: Alcohol Screening, Brief Intervention, and Referral to Treatment
Wednesday, November 29 (12:00-1:00 pm NST)
Speaker: William Lummis, BSc, MSW, RSW, Regional Addictions Prevention Consultant, Mental Health Promotion and Addictions Prevention Services, Eastern (Rural) Zone
Learning Objectives:
- Identify the best practices for alcohol screening
- Explain how brief intervention can be implemented within client-centered care
- Outline the referral process for the inpatient treatment pathway
Sessions take place on Zoom.
To register for Session 5, please complete the registration form here by Monday, November 27.
Please direct any questions about Project ECHO NL: Substance Use to Brittany.Howell@easternhealth.ca
Immunization Resources for Health Professionals
If you are a pharmacy professional participating in vaccine administration this fall, check out the Government of Canada’s immunization resources for health professionals webpage for printable awareness products, including guidance for managing anaphylaxis following immunization and planning guidance for COVID-19 immunization clinics.
Professional Development Accreditation Services
As communicated in the Spring 2022 issue of The Apothecary, NLPB will cease accreditation services by November 30, 2023. The interpretation guide for Professional Development Requirements for Pharmacists and Pharmacy Technicians provides a list of accrediting bodies currently recognized by NLPB. NLPB encourages individuals and organizations seeking accreditation for pharmacy continuing education and professional development, to contact the Canadian Council on Continuing Education in Pharmacy (CCCEP) for information on accreditation services.
NAPRA Survey – Invitation to Participate
Professional Competencies for Pharmacists and Pharmacy Technicians at Entry to Practice in Canada
NAPRA is inviting you to participate in a survey to help validate a new draft of the entry-to-practice competencies for pharmacy professionals in Canada if:
- you are a practising pharmacist or pharmacy technician in Canada that provides care directly to patients
- you supervise the work of practising pharmacists or pharmacy technicians in Canada
- you provide education to pharmacist or pharmacy technician students in Canada
- you work in regulation of pharmacy practice in Canada
The survey will take approximately 30-45 minutes to complete. In appreciation of your effort, NAPRA will enter your name into a draw for $300.
There are separate surveys for pharmacists and pharmacy technicians. Please complete the survey that matches your role. For example, if you are a pharmacy technician, you will complete the survey for pharmacy technicians. If you provide education to pharmacists, you will complete the survey for pharmacists.
The survey closing date is December 22, 2023.
This survey is part of NAPRA’s project to review and update the Professional Competencies for Pharmacists and Pharmacy Technicians at Entry to Practice in Canada to ensure that they clearly reflect the competencies required for safe and effective practice of pharmacy professionals. NAPRA began a review of the entry-to-practice competencies in 2022 and has developed a revised draft of the document with the help of a working group comprised of practising pharmacy professionals, representatives of pharmacy regulatory authorities, as well as representatives from relevant external organizations with a role related to the document.
By choosing to participate in this survey, you will be contributing to the quality of assessment and education of pharmacy professionals in Canada in the future. On behalf of NAPRA and the Working Group, thank you for your participation!
MedSTEP NL Program – Implementation and Resources
NLPB’s MedSTEP NL web resources for community pharmacies launched in September 2023 alongside the publication of the Standards of Practice for Continuous Quality Improvement (CQI) and Medication Incident Reporting (MIR), which describe the minimum acceptable standards for the MedSTEP NL program and are intended to promote consistency in CQI and MIR throughout the province.
MedSTEP NL includes elements of reporting, analyzing, documenting, and shared learning from medication incidents and near-miss events with the objective of continuously reviewing and improving the quality and safety of pharmacy practice in the province.
The first implementation deadline for the program is the review of standards and resources by December 31, 2023. To complete this review community pharmacies must ensure the following:
- Pharmacist-in-charge (PIC) reviews and understands NLPB’s Standards of Practice for Continuous Quality Improvement (CQI) and Medication Incident Reporting (MIR) and CQI and MIR information and resources available on the NLPB website.
- PIC starts to develop a pharmacy policies and procedures manual for MedSTEP NL.
- Pharmacy staff members, including pharmacists, pharmacy technicians, and pharmacy assistants, review and understand NLPB’s standards of practice for CQI and MIR and CQI and MIR information and resources available on the NLPB website.
Visit the website, nlpb.ca/medstep-nl for an overview of the program, requirements, implementation, and more.
