The Ontario College of Pharmacists recognizes and honours the inherent worth and dignity of all human beings and we believe that there is no room in our society for racism and discrimination in any form—whether an overt act of hate and violence or a covert act of micro-aggression. And it is with sadness that we are witnessing history-making demonstrations south of the border and here in Canada that reveal the hurt, anguish, anger and frustration…
Decisions of the Discipline Committee between February and July 2020. Sinan Hadi (OCP #608706) At a hearing on February 3, 2020, a Panel of the Discipline Committee made findings of professional misconduct against Sinan Hadi with respect to the following incidents: READ MORE On or about September 24, 2016, he committed sexual assault on a minor; On or about September 24, 2016, he did, without lawful authority, confine a minor; He failed to report to…
By Ian Stewart R.Ph, B.Sc.Phm. Patients with chronic medical conditions often receive healthcare from multiple providers including their family physician and specialists. Failed communication between healthcare practitioners can lead to therapeutic problems including duplication of drug therapy. CASE: A seventy-two-year-old patient had been receiving amiodarone for an extended period of time from his usual community pharmacy with the instructions to take one 200mg tablet once daily. Following a visit to his cardiologist, the patient received…
The role of quality assurance is to ensure that pharmacy professionals maintain appropriate skills and knowledge throughout their career. It is meant to be educational and collaborative, not punitive, and benefit both patients and pharmacy professionals. For pharmacists and pharmacy technicians it is intended to: validate the things they are already doing well, help them identify areas for improvement in their practice in order to better support their patients, and support ongoing skill and knowledge…
“Close-Up on Complaints” explores incidents reported to the College that have occurred in the provision of patient care and which present learning opportunities. Ideally, pharmacists and pharmacy technicians will be able to identify areas of potential concern within their own practice, and plan and implement measures to help avoid similar incidents from occurring in the future. Summary of the Incident This incident occurred when a complainant raised concerns about services provided by a pharmacy to…
At the September 2019 meeting, College Council approved the adoption of three opportunities to cultivate Indigenous cultural competency amongst Council, College staff and registrants: Develop a commitment to act. The College will identify ways to address cultural inequities to improve patient outcomes (reflecting the calls to action identified in the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada’s Calls to Action) and strive to build relationships with Indigenous communities and others focused on Indigenous health. Create a…
Many of the complaints the College receives each year are focused on communication between pharmacy professionals and patients. When patients feel judged, disrespected or excluded during their encounters with pharmacists and pharmacy technicians, they may feel unwelcome or unsafe in the pharmacy, which could lead to negative health impacts. The Canadian Public Health Association recently released a guidance document to help healthcare professionals have conversations with patients in a respectful and non-judgmental manner, with a…
Kathy Vu, BScPhm, PharmD, ACPRClinical Lead, Safety Initiatives, Cancer Care OntarioAssistant Professor, Teaching Stream and Director, PharmD for Pharmacists Program, Leslie Dan Faculty of Pharmacy, University of TorontoLeta Forbes, MD, FRCP(C)Provincial Head, Systemic Treatment, Cancer Care OntarioMedical Oncologist, R.S. McLaughlin Durham Regional Cancer Centre, Lakeridge HealthDaniela Gallo-Hershberg, BScPhm, PharmDGroup Manager, Systemic Treatment Program, Cancer Care OntarioAssistant Professor (Status only), Leslie Dan Faculty of Pharmacy, University of TorontoSarah Salama, BScPhm, PharmDSystemic Treatment Pharmacist, Systemic Treatment Program,…
Decisions of the Discipline Committee between October 2019 and January 2020. John Hopkins (OCP #24368) At a hearing on October 1, 2019, a Panel of the Discipline Committee made findings of professional misconduct against John Hopkins in that he: READ MORE Failed to complete by February 13, 2018 the specified continuing education or remediation program ordered by a panel of the Inquiries, Complaints and Reports Committee on or about February 13, 2017. In particular the…
Registrants are reminded that the College expects that the dispensing of medications to patients is accurately reflected in the billing and patient medication profile. For example, this means that patients billed weekly for their medications are actually receiving their medications on a weekly basis. Accurate documentation is always important to enable continuity of care for the patient across the healthcare system (i.e., if the patient is admitted to hospital). Additionally, and in accordance with the…
