Why does the College oversee hospital pharmacies?

Following an alleged incident of chemotherapy underdosing in Ontario and New Brunswick hospitals, the Ministry of Health commissioned Dr. Jake Thiessen to do an independent review. Among his recommendations were one suggesting that the College license and inspect all pharmacies operating within Ontario’s clinics or hospitals. In response, the government introduced Bill 21: Safeguarding Healthcare Integrity Act, which amended the DPRA.

On August 1, 2016, new regulations to the Drug and Pharmacies Regulation Act (DPRA) gave the Ontario College of Pharmacists the authority to licence and inspect hospital pharmacies. Expectations of practice for pharmacy professionals were not changed. 

Hospital pharmacies are now issued certificates of accreditation, which must be renewed on an annual basis. In addition, hospital pharmacies undergo regular assessments every one to two years.