Ontario Pharmacy Health Program

When pharmacists and pharmacy technicians are dealing with mental health and substance use challenges, including addiction, anxiety, depression or other conditions, the College’s goal is to support individuals to access the resources they need so that they can practice in a safe manner.

The College has an obligation to protect patients and ensure registrants are practicing safely, and, as part of that commitment, we want registrants to get the help they need to be healthy. It is in the public’s best interest that registrants are given an opportunity to access this support.

Some of the reasons you might reach out to the OPHP include:

• You are struggling with your mental health or substance use.
• Your normal mental health supports are not as effective, or you need new supports.
• You need help navigating the mental health system.
• Your mental health or substance use is affecting your relationships, work or ability to engage in day-to-day activities.

You can always call 1-844-931-0007 to discuss whether OPHP might be right for you before committing to the program.

When you first contact OPHP, you will speak to their intake team who will provide you with information about the program and can also send you a list of general mental health and substance use resources.

If you are interested in participating in the program, the OPHP intake team will collect your information and provide you with the necessary paperwork to get started. You will then be connected to a case manager who will help guide the next steps.

You should expect:

• an evidence-based program that is specifically designed for pharmacy professionals and has been modelled from similar health programs for nurses and physicians
• support of an interdisciplinary team that specializes in mental health and addiction services
• identification of programs/services, in partnership with your current treatment team, that may address gaps in your current care/supports and strengthen your overall stability and well-being
• structured and ongoing check ins to ensure that you remain supported in your recovery

No. The identity of registrants who access OPHP directly and the details of their conditions, are not shared with the College.

Occasionally, registrants may enroll with OPHP as part of a College proceeding or investigation, such as a health inquiry, which is an established process for when the Registrar believes a registrant may be incapacitated. In such circumstances, information would only be shared with the College by OPHP with the consent of the registrant.

As the administrator of the program, Lifemark Health has assured the College that they are committed to privacy protection and adhere to professional standards of confidentiality at all times in compliance with the Personal Health Information Protection Act, 2004 (PHIPA) and Lifemark Health Privacy Policy.

When you contact OPHP, they can provide more details about their privacy policies should you wish to know more prior to identifying yourself.

Accessing OPHP is free, including providing resources, case management services, monitoring and assistance with staying at work/returning to work.

However, any medical and clinical assessments, laboratory screens and treatment (e.g., counselling) may have a cost associated with them. More information will be provided by OPHP during their intake process.

The identity of registrants who contact OPHP directly (i.e., make a self-referral) is not shared with the College and participation in OPHP does not mean that you are no longer able to practice pharmacy.

In some cases, and upon review with your healthcare providers and the program’s medical advisor, OPHP staff may recommend that you temporarily stop practicing, allowing you to achieve medical stability and to put into place the supports you need to practice safely.

OPHP will work with you, your treatment providers and your employer to develop a plan for modified work or return to work as necessary.