To make it easier for registrants to know and understand College expectations for the practice of pharmacy, the provision of patient care, and the operation of pharmacies, OCP is undertaking a policy refresh that will streamline its various policy tools.
The work is part of OCP’s Strategic Goal #2, to effectively provide members of the public, registrants and other partners with clear, relevant, up-to-date information.
This policy refresh will consolidate several types of policy-related resources on the OCP website to help reduce duplication, prevent confusion, and establish a priority framework for ongoing policy reviews.
The result will be clearer, more useful policies, supplemental guidance and practice resources that will be relevant and accurate.
As a first step in the process, some policy related documents have been rescinded by the Board. There is no impact on pharmacy practice because of these changes, including Health Canada’s Controlled Drugs and Substances Act exemption. For example, the guidance documents are no longer relevant because the content has been incorporated into other OCP guidelines and resources, and the policies have requirements that are duplicated in legislation and provided in other OCP documents. More information can be found in the March 24, 2025 Board Meeting materials, starting on page 37.
As of April 1, 2025, the following are rescinded and are no longer in effect and have been removed from the website:
- Providing COVID-19 Services in Community Pharmacies – Guidance
- Prescribing and Providing Controlled Substances during the Coronavirus Pandemic – Guidance
- Designated Manager – Required Signage in a Community Pharmacy Policy – Policy
- Designated Manager – Professional Supervision of Pharmacy Personnel Policy – Policy
- Cannabis Position Statement – Position Statement
Future changes to policy and supplemental guidance will be updated on the website and communicated in e-Connect. Questions? Contact pharmacypractice@ocpinfo.com.