On July 22, 2014 the government of Ontario reintroduced legislation that, if passed, will give the Ontario College of Pharmacists the authority to license and inspect hospital pharmacies throughout Ontario. These changes will allow the College to conduct regular inspections of hospital pharmacies to ensure they meet practice standards and legislation — consistent with the oversight of community pharmacies and drug preparation premises (DPPs).
The Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care published a news release about Taking Action to Safeguard the Integrity of the Health Care Systemthat explains the draft legislation.
This legislation responds to one of the recommendations made by Dr. Jake Thiessen after his investigation into the incident of alleged under-dosing of chemotherapy medication. The College is in full support of the legislative changes to the Drug and Pharmacies Regulation Act (DPRA) and has already taken steps toward developing the accreditation process and draft inspection criteria for hospital pharmacies.
“Expanding the oversight and inspection authority of the College of Pharmacists to include hospital pharmacies will help ensure the drug supply is monitored and inspected more closely, with the same rigorous standards across the province,” said College Registrar, Marshall Moleschi.