Article Updated February 13, 2026 Pharmacists have the authority to renew a prescription in line with the general regulation under the Pharmacy Act and the College’s Pharmacist Prescribing: Initiating, Adapting and Renewing Prescriptions guideline. Here are five key requirements and responsibilities for renewing prescriptions that all pharmacists should know. 1. Pharmacists can renew prescriptions. Pharmacists, and interns under the supervision of a pharmacist, have the independent authority to renew any prescriptions for the purpose of continuity of care, with…
Patients deserve care that is respectful, inclusive, non-discriminatory, and complies with accessibility and human rights legislation. The new Human Rights Policy, approved at the December 2024 Board meeting, is intended to clearly outline how pharmacy services must be provided to meet these requirements. Here are some key things to know about the Human Rights Policy It brings together existing expectations in one place. The policy reflects federal and provincial legislation (including the Ontario Human Rights…
Decisions of the Discipline Committee between September 2024 and December 2024. Hansel James Bulaclac (OCP #612714) Following a hearing held on February 27 and 28, 2023, a Panel of the Discipline Committee found, in a decision dated August 30, 2023, that Hansel Bulaclac committed professional misconduct during the period March 2021 – December 31, 2021, as Designated Manager, director, and majority shareholder of the corporation that owned and operated Pharmasave Cadence Pharmacy in Toronto (“Pharmacy”),…
Ian Stewart, B.Sc.Phm., R.Ph. Effective communication between physicians and pharmacists is critical to ensure optimal patient outcomes. However, prescriptions given verbally by telephone are prone to errors due to potential verbal miscommunication and/or transcribing errors. Contributing factors for verbal miscommunication may include background noise, being rushed, sound-alike drug or patient names, similar sounding numbers like fifteen versus fifty. Other factors, such as the speaker’s accent or a hearing impairment could influence communication effectiveness and it’s…
The rising popularity of Ozempic® (semaglutide) over the past few years has led to an increased demand for the medication at pharmacies – and a significant rise in related events reported. Data from the AIMS Program enables learning from these events to prevent future errors and improve patient safety. Insights from the AIMS Program Data from the Assurance and Improvement in Medication Safety (AIMS) Program show an upward trend in the number of medication incident…
Practice Insight explores concerns reported to the College that present learning opportunities for pharmacists and pharmacy technicians. This example reminds registrants that they must use caution to ensure that the patient receives the correct vaccine. A Patient Is Given the Wrong Vaccine A patient complained to the College that they received a COVID-19 vaccine instead of the flu shot they requested. The pharmacist confirmed that they discussed the patient’s desire for a flu shot, including…
On October 1, 2024, changes were made to the College’s registration processes. Here are four key things to know about these changes. 1. Pharmacy students can practice to scope under supervision without being registered with the College. As of October 1, 2024, there will no longer be a student class of registration at the College. Those enrolled in a pharmacy education program can continue to engage in any of the controlled acts within the scope…
On October 1, 2024, changes were made to the College’s Quality Assurance processes. Here are three key things to know about these changes. 1. All Part A registrants must self-declare that they are competent to provide patient care. During the College’s annual renewal process, all registrants who provide patient care – Part A pharmacists and Part A pharmacy technicians – will be required to make a self-declaration of competency. The self-declaration will consist of a…
Decisions of the Discipline Committee between April 2024 and August 2024. Shereen El-Azrak (OCP #219577) At a hearing on April 8, 2024, a Panel of the Discipline Committee made findings of professional misconduct against Shereen El-Azrak in that on September 25, 2018, in the Superior Court of Justice at Newmarket, she was found guilty of trafficking in fentanyl and possession of fentanyl for the purpose of trafficking, contrary to s. 5 of the Controlled Drugs…
In fall 2024, the College will be transitioning from the Structured Practical Training (SPT) program to the Practice Assessment of Competence at Entry (PACE) model for pharmacy technician applicants. To help support this model, we are looking for frontline pharmacy professionals in community or hospital practice to be PACE assessors for pharmacy technician applicants. PACE assessors ensure that applicants meet the College’s practice-based requirements to deliver safe, quality care. For details on how to apply…
