Neighbourhood Pharmacies supports the Ontario College of Pharmacists’ efforts to modernize the Standards of Operation to reflect the evolution of pharmacy practice, technology and models of care.
As pharmacies take on an expanding role in patient care, regulatory standards must continue to protect patients while allowing pharmacy operators the flexibility to innovate and adapt their operations to different pharmacy models and community needs.
In our submission, we recommend the College:
- Maintain an outcomes-focused approach** that establishes clear expectations while allowing operators flexibility in how those outcomes are achieved.
- Ensure operational standards focus on matters within an operator’s control** and maintain appropriate distinctions between operator responsibilities and the professional accountability of regulated pharmacy professionals.
- Avoid overly prescriptive requirements** for staffing, workflow, privacy, documentation and other operational areas where different approaches can achieve the same safety and quality outcomes.
- Consider the cumulative impact of new requirements** and provide reasonable implementation time and practical guidance where material changes are required.
We look forward to continuing to work with OCP toward a regulatory framework that protects patients while supporting effective, sustainable and evolving pharmacy operations.