News

We want to provide an update and some important clarifications regarding scope of practice and the performance of point of care tests. Scope of Practice Update Proposed changes that would expand the scope of practice for pharmacy professionals have not yet come into effect. The College is working with the Ministry of Health to determine an appropriate implementation date, ensuring that the expansion of scope activities can occur safely and that any necessary safeguards are…

Check out the first edition of Pharmacy Technician Digest, a periodic newsletter for current and future pharmacy technicians. Content will include key information and resources from the College that address questions and issues of interest to pharmacy technicians in Ontario. This newsletter does not replace the regular biweekly e-Connect that goes to all registrants. We welcome your feedback as we test this format. Please let us know what you think and share suggestions for future…

The College is seeking a vendor to host and administer the Quality Assurance Knowledge Assessment. Interested parties can review the Request for Proposal posted on OCP’s website. All proposals must be submitted by May 5, 2026, at 5 pm. View the Knowledge Assessment Vendor RFP.

The College is seeking input on proposed learning requirements for specified expanded scope of practice activities, including assessing and prescribing for acute pharyngitis, otitis externa and herpes zoster, and the administration of injectable buprenorphine extended-release (Sublocade®). These proposed scope activities, which have not yet received approval from government, may pose a higher risk to the public if not managed appropriately.Registrants, members of the public, and system partners are invited to share their feedback on this open consultation…

Access to Ontario Health’s digital health services, including clinical viewers, supports pharmacy professionals in their delivery of safe and effective care. A new Pharmacy Connection article shares important reminders from Ontario Health when pharmacy professionals are requesting access to digital health services. Read Key Steps for Accessing Ontario’s Digital Health Services and Clinical Viewers.

The College’s annual accreditation renewal for community pharmacies is now available. Email reminders will be sent to Director Liaisons and appointed Designated Managers leading up to the May 10, 2026 deadline. Before you begin you will need: Credit card if paying online User ID: Your OCP number Password: If you have forgotten your password, visit our Forgot Password page Once you’re ready: Log into My Account using your user ID (your OCP number) and password…

Key decisions and discussions from the March 23, 2026, Board meeting are summarized below.   Pharmacy Technician annual fees to undergo comprehensive reviewThe Board directed staff to undertake a comprehensive review of pharmacy technician fees and to provide fee structure options for consideration at the September 2026 Board meeting ahead of the 2027 budget process. Although fee changes were not possible for 2026 under the current By-Law and timelines, the Board agreed that the feedback received through…

A new Pharmacy Connection article explores why recognizing, reporting and analyzing near misses is important for patient safety and the implementation of quality improvement initiatives. Near misses are events that could have led to inappropriate medication use or patient harm but were intercepted before reaching the patient.  They also provide valuable learning opportunities. Analyzing these events to identify contributing factors can help pharmacies strengthen safeguards and make improvements that prevent future incidents.   Learn when you should…

March is Pharmacy Appreciation Month, and the College would like to recognize the vital contributions of Ontario’s more than 25,000 regulated pharmacy professionals who support the health and well-being of patients across the province. Your knowledge, expertise and dedication have a meaningful impact on the lives of Ontarians. As our health system continues to evolve, pharmacy will evolve alongside it, and pharmacy professionals will remain essential in delivering safe, ethical and high‑quality pharmacy care. We…

The College has received growing feedback about the annual renewal fees. We take the feedback very seriously. Each year, the Board of Directors approves an annual operating budget that ensures OCP has the financial resources to fulfill its statutory responsibilities defined in legislation and Board-approved strategic and operational priorities as Ontario’s pharmacy regulator. This budget is carefully developed and thoughtfully considers our fiscal obligations. We recognize that annual registration fees are paid by dedicated, hard-working…