Legislation Approval Permits Regulation of Pharmacy Technicians!
June 7, 2007

Dear Pharmacy Technician:

We are pleased to advise that Bill 171, the Health Systems Improvement Act received Royal Assent on Monday of this week; marking the last milestone in government approval. This Act, which amends the Regulated Health Professions Act, the Pharmacy Act and the Drug and Pharmacy Regulation Act (DPRA), as well as many other health profession acts, was supported by our Council as it incorporates many changes that will improve the College’s ability to regulate pharmacists and pharmacies and enable the regulation of pharmacy technicians. We are particularly pleased as many of the amendments to the DPRA were put forward by Council over the past twelve years.

This announcement is significant in that the College is now positioned to move confidently forward with our implementation plan for the regulation of pharmacy technicians. The legislative changes mean that Pharmacy Technicians will become new health professionals with a protected title – in order to call yourself a pharmacy technician you will need to be registered with the Ontario College of Pharmacists. Over the next few months, we expect to solidify the transition plan for individuals who wish to pursue registration with the College and we will continue to keep you informed of our progress as we move toward our goal of regulation by 2010.

The proclamation dates for various sections of the Act vary, with some sections coming into force immediately, while others come into force either one or two years from Royal Assent or when supporting regulations are in place. There are several steps that need to be put in place before the College will be ready to register pharmacy technicians. For further information about our progress please click here.

Yours truly,
Original signed by:
Deanna L. Williams, R.Ph., B.Sc.Phm., CAE
Registrar