News

AIMS is an important program that helps keep patients safe. The consistent and mandatory standard for medication safety for all pharmacies in the province enables continuous quality improvements and shared learnings to reduce the risk of medication incidents and prevent patient harm.   New requirements of the AIMS Program will take effect on January 1, 2027. This means that 2026 will be a year of transition and preparation for pharmacies. Check out our latest Pharmacy Connection…

We’re seeking input on potential changes to the number, composition (pharmacist and pharmacy technician seats), and term limits of elected Board directors. These potential changes are intended to address challenges with development and succession planning for Board and committee leadership, capacity pressures on standing and statutory committees, and maintaining legal Board constitution if directors unexpectedly resign.  This consultation considers by-law changes that may address these issues through the addition of two elected directors (one pharmacist…

The Ontario College of Pharmacists (College) is seeking qualified frontline pharmacy professionals to be Practice Assessment of Competence at Entry (PACE) assessors for pharmacy technician and pharmacist applicants. PACE assessors ensure that applicants meet the College’s practice-based requirements to deliver safe, quality care. Being a PACE assessor is a voluntary role. Apply to become a PACE assessor to: Assess the next generation of pharmacy professionals & contribute to the growth of the profession Ensure high standards are upheld…

As of January 1, 2026, pharmacists and pharmacy technicians already licensed in another Canadian province or territory who meet the eligibility criteria can practice for up to six months while completing their registration requirements with the College. As of Right Eligibility You may be eligible to work immediately in Ontario if you are a: Pharmacist registered, in good standing, in another Canadian province/territory Pharmacy Technician registered, in good standing, in another Canadian province/territory For further details on…

Please be advised that due to scheduled maintenance of our system, My Account and Find a Pharmacy/Professional will be unavailable December 31st, 2025, from 6:00 pm EST until January 1st, 2026, at 12:00 pm EST.

As the Ministry of Health explores the expansion of publicly funded vaccine availability, the College confirms that the following vaccines meet the criteria to be categorized as Schedule II in the NAPRA National Drug Schedules (NDS) in Ontario:  Tetanus vaccines Diphtheria vaccines Pertussis vaccines Pneumococcal vaccines Non-live recombinant herpes zoster (Shingles) vaccines Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) vaccines (changed from Schedule I) The RSV vaccine is now part of a routine immunization program in most provinces and…

The College’s practice advisors routinely conduct practice assessments of Part A pharmacy technicians in their Designated Practice Assessment (DPA) site. The latest Pharmacy Connection article shares the most common misconceptions advisors have encountered about the activities that pharmacy technicians can perform. For each item, we highlight what pharmacy technicians can and can’t do and share other important information to know. It is important for patient safety that pharmacy technicians know and practice within their scope of practice and the authorized acts…

Time-delayed safes and associated signage are important tools to help deter pharmacy robberies. In March 2023, the College’s Board of Directors approved the requirement for all community pharmacies to use time-delayed safes for securing narcotics. Additionally, community pharmacies are required to prominently display College-approved time-delayed safe signage at each public entrance to the pharmacy and in or adjacent to the dispensary area. This latest Practice Insight article explores the outcome of several investigations related to…

The Ontario College of Pharmacists is pleased to welcome Jay O’Neill as he officially assumes the role of OCP’s new Registrar and Chief Executive Officer. “I’m honoured to be part of a team of talented and passionate staff who are dedicated to OCP’s legislated public-interest mandate,” says Jay. “Over the coming weeks and months, I plan to connect, listen and learn from the broader OCP community and stakeholders as we look ahead to a busy…

On November 3, 2025, the Ontario government passed legislative amendments that expand “As of Right” legislation to make it easier for regulated health professionals licensed in other parts of the country to work immediately in Ontario. As of January 1, 2026, pharmacists and pharmacy technicians already licensed in another Canadian province or territory who meet the eligibility criteria can practice for up to six months while completing their registration requirements with the College. As of…