Update on Regulation of Pharmacy Technicians

2. Update on Regulation of Pharmacy Technicians

3. Evolution of Pharmacy Technicians in Ontario Over 30 years of unregistered assistants or technicians assisting pharmacists in technical aspects of dispensing Began with no status, no training, or recognition As pharmacists take on more patient care roles, technicians take on more technical roles

4. Evolution of Pharmacy Technicians in Ontario (cont�d) Current role: �Assistant� to pharmacist Fills prescription under direct supervision No independent actions or authority Every activity requires checking by the pharmacist

5. Evolution of Pharmacy Technicians in Ontario (cont�d) Formal training (20+ years) now a two-year program in community colleges Private vocational colleges have developed programs Gap is now widening between assistants trained on the job and those with formal training

6. Evolution of Pharmacy Technicians in Ontario (cont�d) Certification (8 years) since 1977 - voluntary certification program offered by OCP Ensure standardization respecting �skill set� of all certified pharmacy technicians Standardize practice regardless of variations in training and experience Promote recognition of credentials within the technician profession

7. Evolution of Pharmacy Technicians in Ontario (cont�d) Total numbers unknown (est. 2�3/pharmacist) OCP certified � 2,144 (2005) �Trained on the job� and formally trained Role: �assistant� changing .... to �accountable partner�

8. Why pursue Regulation? To support pharmacists in an expanded role To support the Standards of Practice created for pharmacy profession Registered pharmacy technician seen as a valuable resource Council set priority to seek an expanded role for pharmacy technicians

9. Pharmacy Technician Working Group Established Comprised of pharmacists, technicians, and educators Make recommendations to Council on steps to regulation and report on progress

10. Proposed Regulated Pharmacy Technician Trained pharmacy technician with enhanced skills and ability Accountable team member Will have to demonstrate certain competencies (knowledge and skills) in order to be registered Current training programs may not teach to the expected role, and technicians may require upgrading

11. Regulated Technicians would have: Education requirements (expanded curriculum) Entry-to-Practice requirements (fluency, practical training, exam) Standards of practice Accountability and responsibility for their actions Be subject to complaints & discipline processes Be expected to keep current and participate in a QA program

12. Proposed Role under Regulation Receive a new/repeat prescription Give and receive prescription transfers/copies Confirm accuracy and completeness of prepared pharmaceutical products Check and sign off on the technical accuracy of filled prescriptions

13. Choice will remain To be regulated will be optional Choosing to hire a regulated pharmacy technician will remain optional for pharmacists Pharmacists taking on more primary care role will remain optional Many assistants and pharmacists expected to initially choose to maintain the status quo

14. What about the Pharmacists? Task Force on Optimizing the Role of the Pharmacist Created to address areas of primary care reform and scope of practice Comprised of innovative practitioners from across Ontario

15. Terms of Reference To document the changing roles of pharmacists in Ontario To determine where pharmacy practice should be in Ontario in the next 5-10 years To determine the impediments to reaching this vision To develop short and long term goals to reach optimal practice of the profession in evolving health care models To make recommendations to the Executive Committee on optimizing the pharmacist's role To propose guidelines, protocols and policies to optimize the role of the pharmacist. ... for the benefit of the public of Ontario

16. Task Force Recommendations Proposed guidelines for Medication Reviews Developed a �Framework for a Medication Consultation Service� Being published in the Nov/Dec issue of Pharmacy Connection for consultation and feedback

17. Task Force Recommendations (cont�d) Continuing Care Prescriptions Consider refill authority for pharmacists to fill patient care gaps Pharmacists would need to take time to assess and monitor patients What would be required of a pharmacist in assessing and monitoring patients?

18. Task Force Recommendations (cont�d) Collaborative Practices Delegation of certain controlled acts in specific clinical areas with agreement between physician and pharmacist Dose adjustment and monitoring Fits Family Health Team model and supports primary care

19. Benefits to Pharmacists Pharmacists can better meet the Standards of Practice Accountable technicians allow pharmacists more time for patient care duties Enhanced individual practices increases profile for entire profession More available to join Family Health Teams

20. Benefits to Technicians Current unregulated role of technicians would be strengthened and raised to that of a regulated profession Clearly set professional standards of practice and scope Increased professional status and recognition Would participate in the self-governance of a profession already regulated

21. Benefits to Public Accountability to the public and the College Greater access to pharmacist�s cognitive services Enhanced safety More qualified personnel More focus on areas of expertise Greater access to pharmacists through Family Health Teams

22. Choice will remain To be regulated will be optional Choosing to hire a regulated pharmacy technician will remain optional for pharmacists Pharmacists taking on more primary care role will remain optional Many assistants and pharmacists expected to initially choose to maintain the status quo

23. Current Status Competencies developed Standards of practice for consultation Minister has referred the matter to Health Professions Regulatory Advisory Council HPRAC reviewing and expected to make recommendation next year regarding regulation

24. Next Steps Further consultation (Regional Meetings) Finalize standards of practice Seek necessary legislative amendments Accredit training programs Develop entry to practice requirements, including prior learning assessment, national licensing exam Establish ongoing monitoring and support mechanisms