First Approved: August 2025
Effective: January 1st 2026
Purpose
Every registrant must continue to be able to speak, read, write and comprehend English or French with sufficient fluency to practise the profession. [References: Paragraphs 8.(1)1. and 9.1. of O. Reg. 256/24 General Regulations under Pharmacy Act, 1991]
Concerning characteristics of language proficiency (i.e., triggers) may indicate compromised patient care and/or an inability to remain fully cognizant of the College’s expectations of pharmacy professionals and changes in practice in Ontario.
This policy defines the triggers that may warrant further language proficiency assessment regardless of the initial evidence provided by the registrant when they applied for registration, and the process for ensuring the registrant demonstrates sufficient English or French language proficiency to practise the profession.
Scope
This policy applies to all registrants (also referred to as “pharmacy professionals”).
Policy
All registrants must maintain their ability to speak, read, write and comprehend English or French with sufficient fluency to practise the profession.
Language proficiency triggers include (but are not limited to) the following concerns related to the registrant’s language proficiency:
- A regulated pharmacy professional assessing the registrant during a Practice Assessment of Competence at Entry (PACE) or a Practice Assessment has reported a concern to the College;
- Patients, customers/clients, family members, caregivers or other health professionals have expressed a concern as part of a complaint or report made to the College;
- The College has become aware of a concern through its interactions with the registrant;
- The registrant requires interpretation or translation support to effectively communicate in real time with the College; or
- The registrant declares or reports that they do not have sufficient fluency to practice the profession.
Process
At Annual Renewal, the pharmacist or pharmacy technician registrant must complete a declaration confirming that they are able to speak, read, write and comprehend English or French with sufficient fluency to practise the profession.
If a trigger is identified, the College may follow up according to its Complaints & Reports process.