What Is the Role of a Regulator?
A common area of confusion for registrants, members of the public and system partners is the difference between a regulator and an association. Often, it can be unclear which organization is best positioned to address your question or concern. The article below shares some guidance on understanding what each organization does, including some examples.
The Role of the Ontario College of Pharmacists
The College’s mandate is to serve and protect the public. Our role is to ensure that Ontarians receive safe and high-quality pharmacy care from qualified pharmacy professionals.
The College’s duties and responsibilities are set out in legislation, including the Regulated Health Professions Act, 1991, and the Pharmacy Act, 1991. These laws require the College to fulfill our mandate, including carrying out the “objects” set out in section 3 of the Regulated Health Professions Act, 1991. The College is also accountable to the Ontario Minister of Health.
To fulfill our mandate, the College
- oversees registration, licensing and accreditation,
- conducts pharmacy assessments,
- manages a quality assurance program,
- establishes quality and safety standards, and
- investigates and manages complaints and concerns in the public interest.
Every pharmacy professional practicing in Ontario must be registered with the College.
The Role of Associations
Associations, such as the Ontario Pharmacists Association, the Canadian Pharmacists Association, the Canadian Association of Pharmacy Technicians, the Canadian Society of Healthcare-Systems Pharmacy and others, exist to advocate on behalf of pharmacy professionals.
Unlike Colleges, the role of an association is not set out in legislation but is governed by their own internal rules and Board of Directors. Membership in an association often offers benefits such as insurance coverage, practice support, professional development and networking.
Joining an association is voluntary—pharmacy professionals can choose whether to join or remain a member of an association.
Regulator
• Protects the public interest
• Registration is mandatory
• Role is set out in legislation
Association
• Advocates for the profession
• Membership is voluntary
• Role is directed by leadership
Examples of How These Role Apply to Common Topics
| Topic | College Role | Association Role |
|---|---|---|
| Expanding the scope of practice | Works with government to develop regulatory expectations for the profession to ensure care is delivered in a manner that is safe for staff and patients. Seeks input and perspectives from the profession and relevant associations, as well as the public and broader system partner community, on regulations and policies. | Advocates to the government for pharmacy professionals to have the authority to provide additional services and for appropriate funding to support these services. Develops clinical resources or continuing education to help members provide these services. |
| Dispensing or service fees | Sets out expectations when pharmacists charge fees for professional services outside of the usual and customary dispensing activities. | Advocates to the government for changes in provincial reimbursement of dispensing fees. Sets out suggested fee guides. |
| Communication to the public/patients | Provides the public with information on the role of the College and what to expect from their pharmacies and pharmacy professionals. Actively seeks input from, engages and involves members of the public, just as we do members of the profession, in our regulatory activities. | Increases awareness of the services pharmacy professionals provide and how they can help improve access to healthcare. Seeks public support to encourage government action on issues that are important to the pharmacy profession and patient care. |
Collaboration that Supports Registrants and Patients
Although the College, associations and government all have different roles and priorities, good communication, information sharing and collaboration are essential in supporting safe and quality pharmacy care. As the College, we listen to registrants and associations on important regulatory questions, knowing that these invaluable perspectives can help inform our approach to matters that are in the public interest. This focus on collaboration also extends to the public and to system partners through many ways, including informal conversations, regular meetings or formal consultations.
We also play an important advisory role for, and engage with, the government to share relevant information or context that can inform their policy priorities and direction on pharmacy and broader health system matters.