The Patient Relations Program provides resources, advice, training and support to prevent and deal with the sexual abuse of patients. It also enhances and promotes the therapeutic relationship between pharmacists/pharmacy technicians and patients. It is administered by the Patient Relations Committee.
Both the Patient Relations Program and the Patient Relations Committee are required under the Regulated Health Professions Act, 1991 (RHPA). The Committee’s primary responsibilities include monitoring the Patient Relations Program and administering the funding for therapy and counselling for patients who have alleged to have been sexually abused by a registrant. The Committee also works to encourage positive communication between pharmacists/pharmacy technicians and patients, with the goal of continually improving the quality of the delivery of pharmacy care and services.
Related information and resources for pharmacists and pharmacy technicians
- The Boundary Violations and Sexual Abuse Policy provides information on professional boundaries, patient relationships and prohibition on becoming sexually involved with a patient.
- The Policy on Treating Self and Family Members clarifies that it is generally considered to be inappropriate and a conflict of interest for practitioners to provide care to themselves and/or closely related family members.
- Mandatory reporting obligations require all regulated health professionals and facility operators to report if they believe another health professional has sexually abused a patient.
Related information and resources for patients and the public
- How to report sexual abuse by a regulated pharmacy professional, including information on what sexual abuse of a patient is, how we investigate it and the funding available for therapy/counselling.
- What to expect at the pharmacy and your pharmacy team provide important information on your pharmacy professionals and pharmacy care.
- How to report information or make a complaint to the College if you have a concern about the care or services provided by a pharmacist, pharmacy technician or pharmacy in Ontario.