Is the requirement to maintain a registrant’s English or French language proficiency new?

No. Since 2006, the College’s language proficiency requirements has included a process that allowed the College to investigate if a registrant was reported to be unable to effectively communicate in English or French. In 2024, changes to NAPRA’s Language Proficiency Requirement Policy and Ontario Regulation 256/24 – General Regulations under Pharmacy Act, 1991 prompted the College to update and more clearly define the language proficiency expectations for applicants and registrants. A declaration confirming a registrant’s ability to speak, read, write and comprehend English or French with sufficient fluency to practise the profession will be introduced as part of the 2026 annual renewal process.