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As of January 1, 2023, pharmacists in Ontario are authorized to prescribe medications for 13 minor ailments including: Allergic rhinitis Candidal stomatitis (oral thrush) Conjunctivitis (bacterial, allergic and viral) Dermatitis (atopic, eczema, allergic and contact) Dysmenorrhea Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) Hemorrhoids Herpes labialis (cold sores) Impetigo Insect bites and urticaria (hives) Tick bites, post-exposure prophylaxis to prevent Lyme disease Musculoskeletal sprains and strains Urinary tract infections (uncomplicated) Minor ailments are described as health conditions that…

In response to the alarming rise in violent pharmacy robberies, the Ontario College of Pharmacists is taking steps to mandate the use of time-delayed safes to store narcotics in the province’s 4,700-plus community pharmacies. At its most recent meeting, the College’s Board of Directors unanimously approved the development of a province-wide standard that would require the use of time-delayed safes, and prominent signage highlighting their use, in all community pharmacies. The standard will be brought…

Recognizing the alarming rise in reports of pharmacy robberies across Ontario, the Ontario College of Pharmacists’ Board of Directors will be discussing the use of mandatory time-delayed safes in all community pharmacies at its December 12 meeting. The universal implementation of time-delayed safes has proven to be an effective deterrent to pharmacy robberies in other Canadian and American jurisdictions, and the Board will be considering whether a regulatory mandate is in the public interest. Pharmacy…

An updated Jurisprudence, Ethics and Professionalism exam blueprint will be implemented in February 2023 to align with current pharmacy practice and continue to support the delivery of safe, quality patient care. The College uses exam blueprints to guide the development and selection of exam questions and help candidates understand the topics and subtopics covered on an exam. The Jurisprudence, Ethics and Professionalism exam is an entry-to-practice requirement for registration as a pharmacist or pharmacy technician…

The College has become aware of instances of pharmacies requesting prescriptions for over-the-counter children’s medication. Although some prescribers may choose to provide prescriptions for their patients due to supply chain disruptions of over-the-counter acetaminophen and ibuprofen, these drugs do not require a prescription.    It is the College’s expectation that pharmacists do not refer parents or caregivers to other healthcare professionals to receive a prescription for over-the-counter children’s medication. Registrants who are experiencing supply chain disruptions in their pharmacy are…

Proposed regulatory amendments to authorize Part A pharmacists, students and interns in Ontario to prescribe medications for certain minor ailments have been approved. This expansion of pharmacists’ scope of practice comes into effect on January 1, 2023, and will apply to the following conditions: Allergic rhinitis Candidal stomatitis (oral thrush) Conjunctivitis (bacterial, allergic and viral) Dermatitis (atopic, eczema, allergic and contact) Dysmenorrhea Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) Hemorrhoids Herpes labialis (cold sores) Impetigo Insect bites and urticaria (hives)…

2021 report and submission to the Ministry demonstrates OCP’s performance against system-wide standards The Ontario College of Pharmacists is pleased to publish its 2021 College Performance Measurement Framework (CPMF) report. This year’s report, which has also been submitted to the Ministry of Health, continues to demonstrate the College’s performance against system-wide standards developed by the Ministry in consultation with provincial health professional regulators. Go to the CPMF Reporting Page The CPMF is a standardized annual…

March marks Pharmacy Appreciation Month and the College would like to acknowledge the substantial contributions of Ontario’s more than 22,000 regulated pharmacy professionals to the health and well-being of patients in communities throughout the province. Ontario’s pharmacies have provided significant support to our province’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic over the past two years and demonstrated their value to an integrated healthcare system. Alongside maintaining the public’s access to vital pharmacy services, pharmacy professionals stepped…