Upcoming Discipline Hearings

Discipline Commitee proceedings are held virtually. Please refer to the Discipline Committee’s Direction respecting Electronic and Written Proceedings for further information.

Hearings are open to the public. If you plan to attend, or for further information, please e-mail hearingsoffice@ocpinfo.com or phone 1-416-962-4861.

The College is committed to supporting accessibility and providing accessible formats and communication supports for persons with disabilities. If you would like to attend a discipline hearing and require accommodations, please contact us at accessibility@ocpinfo.com to make appropriate arrangements.

Hearing Dates: March 18, 2024, March 19, 2024, March 20, 2024, March 21, 2024, March 22, 2024, April 11, 2024,

Summary of Allegations

As a result of a referral by the Inquiries, Complaints and Reports Committee, it is alleged that Maged Ghoubrial, from in or about February 2019 to in or about January 2021, while engaged in the practice of pharmacy as director, shareholder, owner, and/or pharmacist at St. Laurent IDA Pharmacy (the “Pharmacy”) in Gloucester, Ontario, committed professional misconduct in that he:

  • Submitted (or permitted, consented to, or approved, expressly or by implication, the submission of) an account or charge for services or products that he knew and/or ought to have known was false or misleading with respect to one or more of certain identified drugs and/or products and/or one or more of certain identified claims to the Ontario Drug Benefit Program;
  • Falsified (or permitted, consented to or approved, expressly or by implication, the falsification of) a record regarding his patients and/or his practice with respect to one or more of certain identified drugs and/or products and/or one or more of certain identified claims to the Ontario Drug Benefit Program;
  • Signed or issued (or permitted, consented to, or approved, expressly or by implication, the signing or issuance of), in his professional capacity, a document he knew and/or ought to have known contained a false and/or misleading statement with respect to one or more of certain identified drugs and/or products and/or one or more of certain identified claims to the Ontario Drug Benefit Program; and/or
  • Failed to keep records as required regarding his patients and/or his practice with respect to one or more of certain identified drugs and/or products and/or one or more of certain identified claims to the Ontario Drug Benefit Program.

In particular, it is alleged that he:

  • Failed to maintain a standard of practice of the profession;
  • Failed to keep records as required respecting his patients and/or practice;
  • Falsified (or permitted, consented to or approved, expressly or by implication, the falsification of) a record relating to his practice and/or a person’s health record;
  • Signed or issued (or permitted, consented to, or approved, expressly or by implication, the signing or issuance of), in his professional capacity a document that he knew or ought to have known contained a false or misleading statement;
  • Submitted (or permitted, consented to, or approved, expressly or by implication, the submission of) an account or charge for services or products that he knew or ought to have known was false or misleading;
  • Engaged in conduct or performed an act relevant to the practice of pharmacy that, having regard to all the circumstances, would reasonably be regarded by members as disgraceful, dishonourable and/or unprofessional.

Hearing Dates: April 2, 2024, June 14, 2024,

Summary of Allegations

As a result of a referral by the Inquiries, Complaints and Reports Committee, it is alleged that Bichoy Maurice, as a shareholder and/or director at Olde Walkerville Pharmacy at 1701 Wyandotte Street East in Windsor, Ontario (the Pharmacy), committed professional misconduct with respect to the following:

  • False or unsubstantiated claims submitted to the Ontario Drug Benefit Program (ODB) from the Pharmacy totaling approximately $720,053.73 between August 22, 2015 and August 22, 2017 for seven identified drugs, or any of them; and/or
  • Improper claims for prescriptions and/or other products submitted to the ODB from the Pharmacy totaling approximately $23,894.70 in relation to one or more of certain identified claims.

In particular, it is alleged that he:

  • Failed to maintain a standard of practice of the profession;
  • Contravened, while engaged in the practice of pharmacy, a federal or provincial law or municipal by-law with respect to the distribution, sale or dispensing of any drug or mixture of drugs, and in particular:
    • sections 5, 15, 17, 18 and/or 23 of the Ontario Drug Benefit Act; and/or
    • sections 18, 25 and/or 29(1) of Ontario Regulation 201/96; and/or
    • section 166 of the Drug and Pharmacies Regulation Act;
  • Submitted an account or charge for services that he knew and/or ought to have known was false or misleading;
  • Falsified a record relating to his practice;
  • Signed or issued, in his professional capacity, a document he knew or ought to have known contained a false or misleading statement;
  • Engaged in conduct or performed an act relevant to the practice of pharmacy that, having regard to all the circumstances, would reasonably be regarded by members of the profession as disgraceful, dishonourable or unprofessional.

A motion in this matter was heard on January 28, 2022.

Hearing Dates: April 2, 2024, June 14, 2024,

Summary of Allegations

As a result of a referral by the Inquiries, Complaints and Reports Committee, it is alleged that Mina Michael, as a shareholder and/or director at Olde Walkerville Pharmacy at 1701 Wyandotte Street East in Windsor, Ontario (the Pharmacy), committed professional misconduct with respect to the following:

  • False or unsubstantiated claims submitted to the Ontario Drug Benefit Program (ODB) from the Pharmacy totaling approximately $720,053.73 between August 22, 2015 and August 22, 2017 for seven identified drugs, or any of them; and/or
  • Improper claims for prescriptions and/or other products submitted to the ODB from the Pharmacy totaling approximately $23,894.70 in relation to one or more of certain identified claims.

In particular, it is alleged that he:

  • Failed to maintain a standard of practice of the profession;
  • Contravened, while engaged in the practice of pharmacy, a federal or provincial law or municipal by-law with respect to the distribution, sale or dispensing of any drug or mixture of drugs, and in particular:
    • sections 5, 15, 17, 18 and/or 23 of the Ontario Drug Benefit Act; and/or
    • sections 18, 25 and/or 29(1) of Ontario Regulation 201/96; and/or
    • section 166 of the Drug and Pharmacies Regulation Act;
  • Submitted an account or charge for services that he knew and/or ought to have known was false or misleading;
  • Falsified a record relating to his practice;
  • Signed or issued, in his professional capacity, a document he knew or ought to have known contained a false or misleading statement;
  • Engaged in conduct or performed an act relevant to the practice of pharmacy that, having regard to all the circumstances, would reasonably be regarded by members of the profession as disgraceful, dishonourable or unprofessional.

A motion in this matter was heard on January 28, 2022.

Hearing Dates: April 8, 2024,

Summary of Allegations

As a result of a referral by the Inquiries, Complaints and Reports Committee, it is alleged that Shereen El-Azrak committed professional misconduct in that

  • On September 25, 2018, in the Superior Court of Justice at Newmarket, she was found guilty of trafficking in fentanyl and possession of fentanyl for the purpose of trafficking, contrary to s. 5 of the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act, S.C. 1996, c. 19.

In particular, it is alleged that she

  • Was found guilty of offences that are relevant to her suitability to practice.

 

Hearing Dates: April 8, 2024,

Summary of Allegations

As a result of a referral by the Inquiries, Complaints and Reports Committee, it is alleged that Ms. El-Azrak, while engaged in the practice of pharmacy as the Designated Manager of Weston Pharmachoice, in or about the period of January 1, 2014 to March 10, 2016, committed professional misconduct in that she

  • On one or more occasions, knowingly dispensed a narcotic medication (fentanyl) pursuant to a prescription she knew or ought to have known was fraudulent in that it had no legitimate medical purpose;
  • Failed to keep records as required by the College’s Medication Procurement and Inventory Management Policy with respect to the inventory of narcotics and controlled drugs;
  • Failed to report a narcotic loss to the Ministry as required by s. 42 of the Narcotic Control Regulations, C.R.C., c. 1041, as amended;
  • Failed to submit dispensing information to the Narcotic Monitoring System (NMS) as required by s. 8 of the Narcotics Safety and Awareness Act, 2010, S.O. 2010, c. 22 and the Executive Officer’s order effective May 14, 2012;
  • Failed to keep records as required respecting her patients, with respect to certain identified prescriptions
  • Failed to take all reasonable steps that were necessary to protect narcotics, controlled drugs and targeted substances on her premises or under her control against loss or theft or to take steps necessary to ensure their security, including failure to count and reconcile narcotics, controlled drugs and targeted substances at least every six months from on or about January 1, 2014 to on or about March 10, 2016; and/or
  • Failed to keep records as required of narcotic prescriptions from on or about January 1, 2014 to on or about March 10, 2016
  • From on or about January 1, 2014 to on or about March 10, 2016, on one or more occasions she trafficked a controlled substance and/or possessed a controlled substance for the purpose of trafficking.

In particular, it is alleged that she

  • Failed to maintain a standard of practice of the profession
  • Dispensed and/or sold drugs (in particular fentanyl) for an improper purpose
  • Failed to keep records as required respecting her patients
  • Contravened a law of Canada or Ontario or any municipal by-law with respect to the distribution, purchase, sale or dispensing of any drugs or product in a pharmacy, and in particular:
    • Section 43 of the Narcotic Control Regulations, C.R.C., c. 1041, as amended, under the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act, S.C. 1996, c. 19, as amended, and/or section G.03.012 of the Food and Drug Regulations, C.R.C., c. 870, as amended, to the Food and Drugs Act, R.S.C. 1985, c. F-27, as amended, and/or subsection 7(1)(b) of the Benzodiazepines and Other Targeted Substances Regulations, S.O.R./2000-271 under the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act, S.C. 1996, c. 19, as amended; and/or
    • Sections 153 and 156 of the Drug and Pharmacies Regulation Act, as amended, and sections 54 to 56 of Ontario Regulation 58/11, as amended, and section 40 of the Narcotic Control Regulations, C.R.C., c. 1041, as amended; and/or
    • Subsections 5(1) and 5(2) of the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act, S.C. 1996, c. 19, as amended
  • Knowingly permitted the premises in which a pharmacy is located to be used for unlawful purposes
  • Engaged in conduct or performed an act relevant to the practice of pharmacy that, having regard to all the circumstances, would reasonably be regarded by members of the profession as disgraceful, dishonourable or unprofessional

 

Hearing Dates: April 9, 2024, April 15, 2024, April 16, 2024, April 17, 2024, April 22, 2024,

Summary of Allegations

Following a hearing held on November 22, 23, 24, 25, 30, 2021; December 14, 16 2021; and April 5 and 25, 2022, a Panel of the Discipline Committee made findings of professional misconduct in a decision dated June 28, 2023, against Alice Rusli, in her role as pharmacist, Designated Manager and/or shareholder at Glen Shields Pharmacy, with respect to the Pharmacy’s system and practices for obtaining veterinary drugs and/or products from [Wholesaler] through [Animal Hospital], including but not limited to in or around March 2019 through June 2019.

In particular, the Panel found that the Registrant:

  • Signed or issued, in her professional capacity, a document that she knew or ought to have known contained a false or misleading statement;
  • Permitted, consented to, approved, counselled or assisted, whether expressly or by implication, the commission of an offence against any Act relating to the practice of pharmacy or the sale of drugs, and in particular section 33(2)(d) of the General Regulation, R.R.O. 1990, Regulation 1093, under the Veterinarians Act, R.S.O. 1990, c. V.3;
  • Engaged in conduct or performed an act relevant to the practice of pharmacy that, having regard to all the circumstances, would reasonably be regarded by members as unprofessional.

Submissions with respect to Order will be heard on April 9, 15, 16, 17, and 22, 2024.

Hearing Dates: May 8, 2024, May 9, 2024,

Summary of Allegations

As a result of a referral by the Inquiries, Complaints and Reports Committee, it is alleged that John Kaldus, while practicing pharmacy as Designated Manager, director and shareholder, and/or dispensing pharmacist at Elliot Lake Health Centre Pharmachoice in Elliot Lake, Ontario and/or Robinson’s Pharmasave in Espanola, Ontario, in the period from about December 2015 to April 2019, committed professional misconduct in that he:

  • Failed to report to the Registrar that he had been charged criminally with offences under the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act on or about December 24, 2015;
  • Unlawfully possessed the following controlled substances without a prescription when stopped by police in King Township, Ontario on December 24, 2015:
    • Oxycontin;
    • Oxycocet;
    • Oxycodone; and/or
    • Morphine.

In particular, it is alleged that he:

  • Contravened a term, condition or limitation imposed on his certificate of registration;
  • Failed to maintain a standard of practice of the profession;
  • Contravened a federal or provincial law or municipal by-law with respect to the distribution, sale or dispensing of any drug or mixture of drugs, specifically:
    • s. 4 of the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act, S.C. 1996, c. 19;
  • Engaged in conduct or performed an act relevant to the practice of pharmacy that, having regard to all the circumstances, would reasonably be regarded by members of the profession as disgraceful, dishonourable or unprofessional.

Hearing Dates: July 9, 2024, July 10, 2024, July 18, 2024, August 19, 2024, August 20, 2024, September 10, 2024, September 11, 2024, September 23, 2024, September 24, 2024,

Summary of Allegations

As a result of a referral by the Inquiries, Complaints and Reports Committee, it is alleged that Amin Dharamsi, while engaged in the practice of pharmacy as a Designated Manager and/or dispensing pharmacist at [the Pharmacy], and/or as a director and/or shareholder of the corporation that owned and/or operated the Pharmacy, committed professional misconduct with respect to the following incidents:

  • Between about October 2, 2018 and January 23, 2019, he failed to take appropriate steps to ensure the destruction of narcotics, controlled drugs, and/or targeted substances;
  • On at least one occasion between about October 2, 2018 and January 23, 2019, he asked staff member [Person A] to destroy narcotics, controlled drugs, and/or targeted substances in his absence and/or in a manner contrary to Health Canada’s guidelines for the destruction of narcotics, controlled drugs, and/or targeted substances;
  • On one occasion between about October 2, 2018 and January 23, 2019, he removed narcotics, controlled drugs, and/or targeted substances from the Pharmacy’s premises without appropriate documentation and/or justification;
  • Between about October 2, 2018 and January 23, 2019, he provided routine pharmaceutical care and/or dispensed prescriptions to himself and to family members;
  • On multiple occasions between about October 2, 2018 and January 23, 2019, he attempted to create false and/or misleading pharmacy records by attempting to imitate the signature of another pharmacist on dispensing records, and/or he asked members of the Pharmacy’s staff to assist him in doing so;
  • On or about November 1, 2018, he attempted to create false and/or misleading pharmacy records showing the dispensing of medication to patient [Patient 1] at a greater frequency than was actually dispensed, and/or he asked members of the Pharmacy’s staff to assist him in doing so;
  • On at least one occasion between about October 2, 2018 and January 23, 2019, he asked members of the Pharmacy’s staff to dispense, and/or to assist in the dispensing of, drugs without the markings on the container required by s. 156(3) of the Drug and Pharmacies Regulation Act, RSO 1990, c H.4;
  • On at least two occasions between about October 2, 2018 and February 8, 2019, he gave previously-dispensed drugs and/or products to members of the Pharmacy’s staff and asked that they return the drugs and/or products to the Pharmacy’s inventory for resale;
  • On at least one occasion between about October 2, 2018 and January 23, 2019, he asked members of the Pharmacy’s staff to falsify, and/or to assist him in falsifying, frequency of dispensing forms, and in particular with respect to falsifying the date on which the forms were sent to prescribers;
  • On at least one occasion between about October 2, 2018 and January 23, 2019, he asked members of the Pharmacy’s staff to falsify, and/or to assist him in falsifying, the Pharmacy’s records relating to documenting the calibration of the Pharmacy’s scale and/or the temperature of the Pharmacy’s refrigerator;
  • On multiple occasions between about [specified date A] and [specified date B], he behaved inappropriately toward and/or in the presence of members of the Pharmacy’s staff, including with respect to the following:
    1. he raised his voice, and/or threw objects, and/or shouted, at members of the Pharmacy’s staff;
    2. he hugged and/or kissed staff member [Person B];
    3. he asked staff member [Person B] inappropriately personal questions;
    4. he harassed staff members[ Person B] and [Person A] by persistently contacting them outside of their working hours at their personal contact numbers and/or email addresses;
  • On at least one occasion between about October 2, 2018 and January 23, 2019, he practised the profession while his ability to do so was impaired or adversely affected by a substance, condition, dysfunction, disorder or circumstance, including but not limited to Nabilone and/or Suboxone;
  • On multiple occasions between about October 2, 2018 and January 23, 2019, including on December 18, 2018, December 20, 2018, and/or January 4, 2019, he referred to himself by the title “Doctor” or an abbreviation thereof, and/or he represented himself as holding the educational degree of Doctor of Pharmacy by using the abbreviation “Pharm. D” after his name, without justification or authority;
  • Between about October 2, 2018 and January 23, 2019, he dispensed (or permitted, consented to or approved, expressly or impliedly, the dispensing of) certain identified medication to patients in combinations of strengths that were inappropriate having regard to the patients’ prescribed doses and the available strengths of the medications, without an appropriate clinical, therapeutic, or other reasonable basis;
  • Between about October 2, 2018 and January 23, 2019, he charged (or permitted, consented to or approved, expressly or impliedly, the charging of) amounts that were excessive in relation to the service or product provided, and in particular, he charged dispensing fees for dispensing certain identified medication to patients in combinations of strengths that were inappropriate having regard to the patients’ prescribed doses and the available strengths of the medications, without an appropriate clinical, therapeutic, or other basis.

In particular, it is alleged that he:

  • Failed to maintain a standard of practice of the profession;
  • Practised the profession while his ability to do so was impaired or adversely affected by any substance, condition, dysfunction, disorder or circumstance that he knew or ought to have known would impair or adversely affect his ability to practice;
  • Inappropriately used a term, title or designation in respect of his practice;
  • Charged a fee or amount that was excessive in relation to the service or product provided;
  • Contravened the Pharmacy Act, 1991, the Drug and Pharmacies Regulation Act, the Regulated Health Professionals Act, 1991, the Narcotics Safety and Awareness Act, 2010, the Drug Interchangeability and Dispensing Fee Act or the Ontario Drug Benefit Act or the regulations under those acts, and in particular s. 33(1) of the Regulated Health Professions Act, 1991, SO 1991, c 18;
  • Contravened a federal, provincial, or territorial law or municipal by-law with respect to the distribution, purchase, sale, or dispensing or prescribing of any drug or product, the administering of any substance, or the piercing of the dermis, and in particular s. 43 of the Narcotic Control Regulations, CRC, c 1041;
  • Engaged in conduct or performed an act relevant to the practice of pharmacy that, having regard to all the circumstances, would reasonably be regarded by members as disgraceful, dishonourable or unprofessional.

 

Please note that the hearing date of November 22, 2023, will commence at 9:00AM.

Hearing Dates: October 28, 2024, October 29, 2024, October 30, 2024, October 31, 2024, November 1, 2024, November 26, 2024,

Summary of Allegations

As a result of a referral by the Inquiries, Complaints and Reports Committee, it is alleged that John Kaldus, while practicing pharmacy as Designated Manager, director and shareholder, and/or dispensing pharmacist at Elliot Lake Health Centre Pharmachoice in Elliot Lake, Ontario and/or Robinson’s Pharmasave in Espanola, Ontario, in the period from about August 2014 to February 2018, committed professional misconduct in that he:

  • Failed to keep records as required by the College’s Medication Procurement and Inventory Management Policy with respect to the inventory of narcotics and controlled drugs;
  • Directed non-pharmacist employees to dispense methadone to patients;
  • Misappropriated prescription drugs and/or controlled substances from the pharmacy, including:
    • Oxycocet;
    • Tylenol #3 and/or Ratio-Lenoltec #3;
    • Clonazepam; and/or
    • Tramadol.

In particular, it is alleged that he:

  • Failed to maintain a standard of practice of the profession;
  • Failed to keep records as required;
  • Contravened s. 149(1) of the Drug and Pharmacies Regulation Act, R.S.O. 1990, c. H.4;
  • Contravened a federal or provincial law or municipal by-law with respect to the distribution, sale or dispensing of any drug or mixture of drugs, specifically
    • s. 4 of the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act;
    • s. 51(1) of the Benzodiazepines and Other Targeted Substances Regulations, SOR/2000-217;
    • s. 31(1) of the Narcotic Control Regulations, C.R.C., c. 1041
  • Engaged in conduct or performed an act relevant to the practice of pharmacy that, having regard to all the circumstances, would reasonably be regarded by members of the profession as disgraceful, dishonourable or unprofessional.

Hearing Dates: TBA

Summary of Allegations

As a result of a referral by the Inquiries, Complaints and Reports Committee, it is alleged that Amani Awad, from in or about September 2021 to in or about January 2022, while engaged in the practice of pharmacy as director, shareholder, owner, Designated Manager, and/or dispensing pharmacist at John Garland Pharmacy located in Etobicoke, Ontario (the “Pharmacy”), committed professional misconduct in that she:

  • Failed to keep records as required regarding her patients and/or practice with respect to rivaroxaban (generic name for Xarelto) and/or apixaban (generic name for Eliquis);
  • Falsified (or permitted, consented to or approved, expressly or by implication, the falsification of) a record relating to her practice and/or a person’s health record with respect to rivaroxaban (generic name for Xarelto) and/or apixaban (generic name for Eliquis);
  • Dispensed or oversaw the dispensing of quantities of rivaroxaban (the generic name for Xarelto) to a patient, when this patient had been prescribed a different quantity of apixaban (generic name for Eliquis);
  • Attempted to interfere, obstruct, and/or tamper with the evidence of a potential witness in an investigation by the College into her conduct at the Pharmacy; and/or
  • Provided false and/or misleading information to the College in written submissions, emails, and/or other documents, in response to inquiries and/or an investigation by the College into her conduct at the Pharmacy.

In particular, it is alleged that she:

  • Failed to maintain a standard of practice of the profession;
  • Failed to keep records as required regarding her patients and/or practice;
  • Falsified (or permitted, consented to or approved, expressly or by implication, the falsification of) a record relating to her practice and/or a person’s health record;
  • Contravened the Pharmacy Act1991,the Drug and Pharmacies Regulation Act, the Regulated Health Professions Act, 1991, the Narcotics Safety and Awareness Act, 2010, the Drug Interchangeability and Dispensing Fee Act or the Ontario Drug Benefit Act or the regulations under those Acts, and in particular:
    • section 156 of the Drug and Pharmacies Regulation Act and/or section 20 of Ontario Regulation 264/16;
  • Engaged in conduct or performed an act relevant to the practice of pharmacy that, having regard to all the circumstances, would reasonably be regarded by members as disgraceful, dishonourable and/or unprofessional;
  • Engaged in conduct that is unbecoming a member.

Hearing Dates: TBA

Summary of Allegations

As a result of a referral by the Inquiries, Complaints and Reports Committee, it is alleged that Kinfe Blad, while engaged in the practice of pharmacy as a Designated Manager and/or dispensing pharmacist at Chapmans Pharmacy in London, Ontario (the “Pharmacy”), committed professional misconduct with respect to the following incidents:

  • At various times between about May 27, 2014 and June 12, 2019, he instructed staff to dispense prescriptions in non-child-resistant vials for any patients above the age of 50, and/or he participated in, permitted, consented to, or approved, either expressly or impliedly, that practice;
  • At various times between about May 27, 2014 and June 12, 2019, he instructed staff to dispense methadone and/or Suboxone to patients without a pharmacist present to witness the patient’s dose, and/or he participated in, permitted, consented to, or approved, either expressly or impliedly, that practice;
  • At various times between about May 27, 2014 and June 12, 2019, he submitted (or permitted, consented to or approved, expressly or impliedly, the submission of) charges for drugs and/or products that were not dispensed, including but not limited to:
    • by instructing staff (or permitting, consenting to or approving, expressly or impliedly, the instruction to staff) to not cancel prescriptions that had been billed but not dispensed to patients, and/or
    • with respect to certain identified drugs and/or products;
  • Between about October 1, 2017 and November 30, 2017, he cancelled (or permitted, consented to or approved, expressly or impliedly, the cancellation of) prescriptions for which the Pharmacy was not entitled to payment, without taking the steps (or ensuring the steps were taken) that were necessary to ensure the reversal of the charges billed by the Pharmacy, with respect to certain identified prescriptions;
  • At various times between about May 27, 2014 and June 12, 2019, he instructed staff to dispense prescription medication to patients without ensuring that a pharmacist or registered pharmacy technician had verified the prescription and its preparation, and had signed the prescription hardcopy, and/or he participated in, permitted, consented to, or approved, either expressly or impliedly, that practice;
  • At various times between about May 27, 2014 and June 12, 2019, he instructed staff to sign prescription hardcopies in a manner intended to or that he ought reasonably to have expected would be confused for a pharmacist’s signature, and/or he participated in, permitted, consented to, or approved, either expressly or impliedly, that practice;
  • At various times between about May 27, 2014 and June 12, 2019, he failed to demonstrate a caring, empathetic, and/or professional attitude toward his patients, and in particular, on multiple occasions, in the presence of staff, he referred to patients as “junkies”, “losers”, “drug addicts”, and/or words to that effect;
  • At various times between about May 27, 2014 and June 12, 2019, he failed to ensure appropriate staffing levels in the Pharmacy to enable himself and other staff to maintain the accepted standard of pharmacy practice and to deliver safe and effective patient care;
  • Between about December 2016 and February 2017, he instructed staff to dispense reconstituted powdered methadone to patients while billing those patients’ prescriptions as though Methadose had been dispensed, and/or he participated in, permitted, consented to, or approved, either expressly or impliedly, that practice;
  • Between about September 1, 2016 to September 30, 2017, he submitted (or permitted, consented to or approved, expressly or impliedly, the submission of) charges for Naloxone Kits that were not dispensed;
  • Between about October 2015 and September 2017, he billed the Ontario Drug Benefit program for MedsChecks without conducting an adequate medication review with the patients and/or without engaging in any meaningful review with the patients of their medication therapies;
  • Between about October 2015 and September 2017, he billed (or permitted, consented to or approved, expressly or impliedly, the billing to) the Ontario Drug Benefit program for MedsChecks that were not performed, including with respect to Rx #2868647 on August 22, 2016
  • Between about February 9, 2017 and August 29, 2017, he failed to document (or ensure the documentation of) a medication error relating to Rx #9540403;
  • Between about February 9, 2017 and August 29, 2017, he failed to report (or ensure the reporting of) a loss or theft of narcotics relating to Rx #950403, as required by s. 42 of the Narcotic Control Regulations, CRC, c. 1041;
  • At various times between about May 27, 2014 and June 12, 2019, he instructed staff to sell Tylenol #1 and/or Lenoltec #1 to patients without the involvement of pharmacist, and/or he participated in, permitted, consented to, or approved, either expressly or impliedly, that practice;
  • Between about January 1, 2016 and December 31, 2018, he failed to report (or ensure the reporting of) a loss or theft of narcotics relating to losses of Hydromorph contin 18mg, 24mg, and/or 30mg, as required by s. 42 of the Narcotic Control Regulations, CRC, c. 1041;
  • Between about September 1, 2015 and October 1, 2017, he submitted (or permitted, consented to or approved, expressly or impliedly, the submission of) claims to the Ontario Drug Benefit Program for which he was required to have and maintain certain identified records that he did not have and/or maintain;
  • Between about September 1, 2015 and October 1, 2017, he submitted (or permitted, consented to or approved, expressly or impliedly, the submission of) certain identified claims to the Ontario Drug Benefit Program and accepted payment for those claims without being entitled to payment.

 

In particular, it is alleged that he:

  • Failed to maintain a standard of practice of the profession;
  • Failed to keep records as required respecting his patients or practice;
  • Falsified a record relating to his practice and/or to a person’s health record;
  • Submitted an account or charge for services or products that he knew or ought to know was false or misleading;
  • Contravened the Pharmacy Act, the Drug and Pharmacies Regulation Act, the Regulated Health Professions Act, 1991, or the regulations under those Acts:
    • 156(1)(g) of the Drug and Pharmacies Regulation Act, RSO 1990, c H.4;
  • Contravened a federal or provincial or territorial law or municipal by-law with respect to the distribution, purchase, sale, or dispensing or prescribing of any drug or mixture of drugs or product:
    • 5, 6, and/or 15(1)(b) of the Ontario Drug Benefits Act, RSO 1990, c O.10, as amended;
    • 36 and/or 42 of the Narcotic Control Regulations, CRC, c. 1041;
    • 5(1) of the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act, SC 1996, c. 19;
  • Engaged in conduct or performed an act relevant to the practice of pharmacy that, having regard to all the circumstances, would reasonably be regarded by members of the profession as disgraceful, dishonourable or unprofessional.

Hearing Dates: TBA

Summary of Allegations

As a result of a referral by the Inquiries, Complaints and Reports Committee, it is alleged that Emanuele Buttice, while engaged in the practice of pharmacy at The Olde Walkerville Pharmacy Sulla Via (the “Pharmacy”), and/or as the Designated Manager of the Pharmacy, committed professional misconduct with respect to the following:

  • Between about January 1, 2016 and January 31, 2018, he dispensed (or he permitted, consented to or approved, expressly or impliedly, the dispensing of) prescription drugs pursuant to co-signed or rewritten prescriptions for out-of-country patients, without taking and/or documenting reasonable steps to confirm whether an established physician-patient relationship existed between the prescribers and the patients;
  • Between about January 1, 2016 and January 31, 2018, he dispensed (or he permitted, consented to or approved, expressly or impliedly, the dispensing of) prescription drugs pursuant to ostensible prescriptions that were not valid, because the practitioner did not practice in the province in which they were licensed as required by s. C.01.001(1) of the Food and Drug Regulations, CRC, c 870, and he therefore contravened s. 155(1) of the Drug and Pharmacies Regulation Act, RSO 1990, c H.4, and s. C.01.041(1) of the Food and Drug Regulations, with respect to all prescriptions attributed to [Physician] as prescriber.

 

In particular, it is alleged that he:

  • Failed to maintain a standard of practice of the profession;
  • Contravened the Act, the Drug and Pharmacies Regulation Act, the Regulated Health Professions Act, 1991, the Narcotics Safety and Awareness Act, 2010, the Drug Interchangeability and Dispensing Fee Act or the Ontario Drug Benefit Act or the regulations under those Acts, and in particular:
    • 155(1) of the Drug and Pharmacies Regulation Act, RSO 1990, c H.4
    • C.01.041(1) of the Food and Drug Regulations;
  • Contravened a federal, provincial or territorial law or municipal by-law with respect to the distribution, purchase, sale, or dispensing or prescribing of any drug or product, the administering of any substance, or the piercing of the dermis, and in particular:
    • 155(1) of the Drug and Pharmacies Regulation Act, RSO 1990, c H.4
    • C.01.041(1) of the Food and Drug Regulations;
  • Engaged in conduct or performed an act relevant to the practice of pharmacy that, having regard to all the circumstances, would reasonably be regarded by members as disgraceful, dishonourable or unprofessional.

Hearing Dates: TBA

Summary of Allegations

As a result of a referral by the Accreditation Committee, it is alleged that Paul Cavanagh, as Designated Manager of Cavanagh IDA Pharmacy in Hagersville, Ontario (the “Pharmacy”) and as the Director of Cavanagh Apothecary Ltd., c.o.b. as Cavanagh IDA Pharmacy, and Cavanagh Apothecary Ltd., c.o.b. as Cavanagh IDA Pharmacy, as the holder of Certificate of Accreditation #6114 for the Pharmacy, committed proprietary misconduct in that they:

  • Failed to ensure that the Point of Care Symbol and/or Notice to Patient were clearly and publicly displayed as required by the College’s Designated Manager – Required Signage in a Community Pharmacy Policy, between on or about November 9, 2022 to on or about April 14, 2023;
  • Failed to maintain the Pharmacy in a clean and orderly fashion, and in a good state of repair, in relation to:
    • The patient consultation area that was cluttered, had ceiling tiles missing, and wet floors, on or about April 14, 2023;
    • The compounding area that was untidy and/or had food stuffs present, on one or more occasions between on or about November 9, 2022 to on or about April 14, 2023; and/or
    • The inadequate monitoring of fridge temperatures, between on or about November 9, 2022 to on or about April 14, 2023;
  • Failed to keep documents respecting patients, the operation of the Pharmacy and/or the practice of members practising in the Pharmacy as required by the Model Standards for Pharmacy Compounding of Non-Sterile Preparations and/or the Guidance Document for Pharmacy Compounding of Non-Sterile Preparations, from on or about November 9, 2022 to on or about April 14, 2023;
  • Failed to have procedures in place to protect the confidentiality of personal health information and/or other personal information maintained by the Pharmacy in relation to delivery logs and/or returned to stock medications on one or more occasions between on or about November 9, 2022 to on or about April 14, 2023;
  • Kept medications, pre-made batches of compounds, and/or compounding ingredients in the dispensary shelf that were not properly labelled on one or more occasions between on or about November 9, 2022 to on or about April 14, 2023; and/or
  • Failed to respond to the College’s request for an action plan in relation to the Level I Assessment and/or the Level II Assessment.

In particular, it is alleged that they:

  • Failed to maintain any of the standards of accreditation;
  • Failed to reply within a reasonable time to a written or electronic inquiry or request from the College;
  • Failed to keep documents as required respecting patients, the operation of the pharmacy or the practice of members practising in the pharmacy;
  • Failed to keep confidential personal health information or other personal information concerning a patient, except with the consent of the patient or the patient’s authorized representative or as otherwise permitted or required by law;
  • Contravened the Drug and Pharmacies Regulation Act, the Pharmacy Act, 1991, the Regulated Health Professions Act, 1991, the Narcotics Safety and Awareness Act, 2010, the Drug Interchangeability and Dispensing Fee Act, the Ontario Drug Benefits Act or the regulations under those Acts, in particular:
    • Section 19(j) of the Ontario Regulation 264/16, as amended, made under the Drug and Pharmacies Regulation Act, RSO 1990, c H4, as amended;
    • Section 4(3) of the Drug Interchangeability and Dispensing Fee Act, RSO 1990, c P23, as amended, and/or section 1 of Notice to Patients, RRO 1990, Reg. 936, as amended, made under the Drug Interchangeability and Dispensing Fee Act, RSO 1990, c P23, as amended;
  • Engaged in conduct or performing an act relevant to the operation of a pharmacy that, having regard to the circumstances, would reasonably be regarded by members as disgraceful, dishonourable or unprofessional.

Hearing Dates: TBA

Summary of Allegations

As a result of a referral by the Inquiries, Complaints and Reports Committee, it is alleged that Raed Eid, while engaged in the practice of pharmacy as a pharmacist at [Pharmacy A] and/or [Pharmacy B] in [Location], Ontario and after the termination of his employment at the pharmacies, committed professional misconduct in that he:

  • attended at [Pharmacy A] on two occasions and yelled at his former employer in public; and/or
  • repeatedly called and/or texted his former employer; and/or
  • attended at [Pharmacy B] on one or more occasions and video recorded and/or yelled at the owner and staff in the presence of patients; and/or
  • sent emails to a number of persons in which he described his former employer and [Related Person] as being, among other things, disgusting and/or disrespectful and/or condescending and/or dishonest and/or racist, and/or incompetent, and/or falsely claimed that his former employer was going to stab him.

In particular, it is alleged that he:

  • Failed to maintain a standard of practice of the profession;
  • Engaged in conduct or performed an act relevant to the practice of pharmacy that, having regard to all the circumstances, would reasonably be regarded by members as disgraceful, dishonourable or unprofessional.

Hearing Dates: TBA

Summary of Allegations

As a result of a referral by the Inquiries, Complaints and Reports Committee, it is alleged that Raed Eid, during August 2021, while engaged in the practice of pharmacy as a pharmacist at [Pharmacy Name] in [Location], Ontario, committed professional misconduct in that he:

  • Failed to provide a patient known as [Patient 1] with all of the Ramipril she was prescribed and/or verify dose and/or failed to provide [Patient 1] with medication for her daughter and/or was rude to [Patient 1];
  • Failed to provide a patient known as [Patient 2] with her medication for depression and/or was rude to [Patient 2];
  • Failed to provide a patient known as [Patient 3] with her medication, including but not limited to Elavil;
  • Failed to provide patients known as [Patient 4] and [Patient 5] with their medications, including but not limited to [Patient 5]’s insulin;
  • Failed to provide a patient known as [Patient 6] with his Keppra and/or provided the patient with the wrong quantity of Kadian;
  • Failed to provide a patient known as [Patient 7] with her Cipralex and was rude to [Patient 7]; and/or
  • Failed to maintain confidential patient information by questioning [Patient 8]’s mother in public about [Patient 8]’s medical conditions and other personal health information.

In particular, it is alleged that he:

  • Failed to maintain a standard of practice of the profession;
  • Engaged in conduct or performed an act relevant to the practice of pharmacy that, having regard to all the circumstances, would reasonably be regarded by members as disgraceful, dishonourable or unprofessional.

Hearing Dates: TBA

Summary of Allegations

As a result of a referral by the Inquiries, Complaints and Reports Committee, it is alleged that Magdy Yashoue Rizkalla Hanna, while engaged in the practice of pharmacy […] at [Pharmacy] in [Location], from about [Specified Date 1] to about [Specified Date 2], committed professional misconduct in that he:

  • sexually harassed, sexually abused, and/or failed to maintain professional boundaries with a patient […], [Person];
  • provided [Person] with a prescription medication [drug] in absence of a valid prescription.

In particular, it is alleged that he:

  • sexually abused a patient, [Person];
  • failed to maintain a standard of practice of the profession;
  • engaged in conduct or performed an act relevant to the practice of pharmacy that, having regard to all the circumstances, would reasonably be regarded by members of the profession as disgraceful, dishonourable or unprofessional.

Hearing Dates: TBA

Summary of Allegations

As a result of a referral by the Inquiries, Complaints and Reports Committee, it is alleged that Hany Komy, while engaged in the practice of pharmacy as […] at [the Pharmacy] in […], Ontario, committed professional misconduct in that he:

  • Failed to maintain a professional boundary in respect of patient [Name], in the period from about [Specified Date 1] to [Specified date 2];
  • Dispensed controlled-release oxycodone to patient [Name] on or about [Date A], [Date B], [Date C], and/or [Date D], instead of the short-acting oxycodone that had been prescribed.

In particular, it is alleged that he:

  • Sexually abused a patient, [Name];
  • Failed to maintain a standard of practice of the profession;
  • Engaged in conduct or performed an act relevant to the practice of pharmacy that, having regard to all the circumstances, would reasonably be regarded by members of the profession as disgraceful, dishonourable or unprofessional.

Hearing Dates: TBA

Summary of Allegations

As a result of a referral by the Inquiries, Complaints and Reports Committee, it is alleged that Hany Komy, while engaged in the practice of pharmacy as […] at the […] Pharmacy in […], Ontario, from about [Specified Date A] to [Specified Date B], committed professional misconduct in that he inappropriately touched a pharmacy employee, [Name].

In particular, it is alleged that he engaged in conduct or performed an act relevant to the practice of pharmacy that, having regard to all the circumstances, would reasonably be regarded by members of the profession as disgraceful, dishonourable or unprofessional.

Hearing Dates: TBA

Summary of Allegations

As a result of a referral by the Inquiries, Complaints and Reports Committee, it is alleged that Hany Komy, […], committed professional misconduct in that he was found guilty of sexual assault contrary to section 271 of the Criminal Code of Canada and/or assault contrary to section 266 of the Criminal Code of Canada.

In particular, it is alleged that he:

  • Was found guilty of an offence that is relevant to his suitability to practise;
  • Engaged in conduct or performed an act relevant to the practice of pharmacy that, having regard to all the circumstances, would reasonably be regarded by members of the profession as disgraceful, dishonourable or unprofessional.

Hearing Dates: TBA

Summary of Allegations

As a result of a referral by the Inquiries, Complaints and Reports Committee, it is alleged that Kevin Longman, while engaged in the practice of pharmacy as dispensing pharmacist at [the Pharmacy], committed professional misconduct in that he:

  • Touched [Person 1] in a sexual manner on one or more occasions from about [Specified Date 1[ to [Specified Date 2];
  • Sexually harassing one or more of the following pharmacy employees: [Person 2], [Person 1], and [Person 3], in the period from about [Specified Date 3] to [Specified Date 4].

In particular, it is alleged that he:

  • Sexually abused a patient;
  • Failed to maintain a standard of practice of the profession;
  • Engaged in conduct or performed an act relevant to the practice of pharmacy that, having regard to all the circumstances, would reasonably be regarded by members of the profession as disgraceful, dishonourable or unprofessional.

Hearing Dates: TBA

Summary of Allegations

As a result of a referral by the Inquiries, Complaints and Reports Committee, it is alleged that Ramy Mallouk, while engaged in the practice of pharmacy as owner, Designated Manager, and/or dispensing pharmacist at [the Pharmacy], committed professional misconduct in that he:

  • Engaged in sexual touching and/or sexual intercourse with [Name] on one or more occasions from about [Specified Date 1] to about [Specified Date 2];
  • Failed to maintain appropriate professional boundaries with a patient, [Name], when he engaged in inappropriate personal discussions and/or physical touching between about [Specified Date 3] and [Specified Date 2].

In particular, it is alleged that he:

  • Sexually abused a patient;
  • Failed to maintain the standards of practice of the profession;
  • Engaged in conduct or performed an act relevant to the practice of pharmacy that, having regard to all the circumstances, would reasonably be regarded by members of the profession as disgraceful, dishonourable or unprofessional.

Hearing Dates: TBA

Summary of Allegations

As a result of a referral by the Inquiries, Complaints and Reports Committee, it is alleged that Jason Newman, while engaged in the practice of pharmacy as Designated Manager and/or dispensing pharmacist at Delaware Pharmacy in Delaware, Ontario (the “Pharmacy”), and/or as a shareholder and/or director of the corporation that operated the Pharmacy, and/or as a director of the Foundation for the Responsible Administration of Emergency Medicines (“FRAEM”), committed professional misconduct with respect to the following incidents:

  • Between about January 1, 2018 and February 4, 2023, he submitted (or in his capacity as Designated Manager of the Pharmacy and/or a shareholder and/or a director of the corporation that operated the Pharmacy and/or a director of FRAEM, he was responsible for the submission of) claims to the Ontario Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care that were not eligible to be paid, with respect to:
    1. claims for naloxone kits where he failed to take, or ensure were taken, reasonable steps to obtain a health card number from the person receiving the kit; and/or
    2. claims for more than two naloxone kits provided to a person at one time;
  • Between about August 1, 2018 and February 4, 2023, he dispensed or caused to be dispensed naloxone kits to patients without regard to individual need and/or clinical appropriateness;
  • Between about October 30, 2019 and February 4, 2023, he failed to carry out or abide by an undertaking given to the College on October 30, 2019 to ensure that appropriate assessment and training are provided by a pharmacist to persons dispensed and/or sold naloxone, by permitting assessment and/or training to be provided by non-pharmacists to persons dispensed and/or sold naloxone.

In particular, it is alleged that he:

  • Failed to maintain a standard of practice of the profession;
  • Submitted an account or charge for services or products that he knew or ought to have known was false or misleading;
  • Contravened the Act, the Drug and Pharmacies Regulation Act, the Regulated Health Professions Act, 1991, the Narcotics Safety and Awareness Act, 2010, the Drug Interchangeability and Dispensing Fee Act or the Ontario Drug Benefit Act or the regulations under those Acts, and in particular he contravened ss. 5, 6, and/or 15(1)(b) of the Ontario Drug Benefits Act, RSO 1990, c O.10, as amended and/or s. 27 of O Reg 201/96 made under the Ontario Drug Benefits Act;
  • Failed to carry out or abide by an undertaking given to the College or breached an agreement with the College, a Committee of the College or the Registrar;
  • Engaged in conduct or performed an act relevant to the practice of pharmacy that, having regard to all the circumstances, would reasonably be regarded by members as disgraceful, dishonourable or unprofessional.

 

Hearing Dates: TBA

Summary of Allegations

As a result of a referral by the Inquiries, Complaints and Reports Committee, it is alleged that Noor Nooruzzaman committed professional misconduct in that he failed to abide by or carry out the terms of the Undertaking, Agreement and Acknowledgment (the “Undertaking”) given to the College dated October 31, 2022, in which he undertook to complete a mentorship program with a pharmacist in relation to record keeping, inventory management and billing processes, and the College’s Designated Manager e-Learning Module within six months of the date of the Undertaking.

In particular, it is alleged that he:

  • Failed to maintain a standard of practice of the profession;
  • Failed to carry out or abide by an undertaking given to the College or breached an agreement with the College, a Committee of the College or the Registrar;
  • Engaged in conduct or performed an act relevant to the practice of pharmacy that, having regard to all the circumstances, would reasonably be regarded by members as disgraceful, dishonourable or unprofessional.

Hearing Dates: TBA

Summary of Allegations

As a result of a referral by the Accreditation Committee, it is alleged that Noor Nooruzzaman, as Designated Manager of Noor Healthcare Pharmacy in Mississauga, Ontario (the “Pharmacy”), and as the Director of Nooruzzaman Inc., c.o.b. Noor Healthcare Pharmacy, and Nooruzzaman Inc., as the holder of Certificate of Accreditation #303588 for the Pharmacy, committed proprietary misconduct in that they:

  1. Permitted, consented to or approved, either expressly or by implication, the operation of the Pharmacy without a pharmacist physically present on or about September 30, 2021; and/or
  2. Failed to adequately maintain the pharmacy in a safe, clean, and/or orderly fashion with respect to:
    1. the inadequate storage of medication awaiting destruction and sharps containers in or about September 2021; and/or
    2. the inadequate monitoring/and or maintenance of fridge temperatures between in or about October 2019 and/or in or about September 2021; and/or
  3. Failed to have adequate systems in place and/or adequate recordkeeping with respect to:
    1. Conducting and/or maintaining a record of, adequate inventory counts and/or reconciliations for narcotics, controlled drugs and/or targeted substances from in or about January 9, 2019 to in or about October 29, 2019; and/or in or about March, April, August and/or September 2021; and/or
    2. recording accurate information regarding prescriptions, specifically with respect to unsigned prescription hard copies on one or more occasions in and around April 2019, October 2019 and/or September 2021; and/or
    3. maintaining records in a manner that is auditable, traceable and/or allows for their easy retrieval with respect to Rx 053345 in and around October 2019 and Rxs N01391, N01430, and/or N01450 in and around September 2021

In particular, it is alleged that Noor Nooruzzaman, as Designated Manager of Noor Healthcare Pharmacy in Mississauga, Ontario (the “Pharmacy”), and as the Director of Nooruzzaman Inc., c.o.b. Noor Healthcare Pharmacy, and Nooruzzaman Inc., as the holder of Certificate of Accreditation #303588 for the Pharmacy:

  • Failed to maintain any of the standards of accreditation;
  • Failed to keep documents as required respecting patients, the operation of the pharmacy and/or the practice of members practicing in the pharmacy;
  • Contravened the Drug and Pharmacies Regulation Act, the Pharmacy Act, 1991, the Regulated Health Professions Act, 1991, the Narcotics Safety and Awareness Act, 2010, the Drug Interchangeability and Dispensing Fee Act, the Ontario Drug Benefits Act or the regulations under those Acts, in particular: section 146(1) of the Drug and Pharmacies Regulation Act, R.S.O. 1990, c. H.4;
  • Contravened a federal, provincial or territorial law or any municipal bylaw with respect to the distribution, purchase, sale and/or dispensing of any drug product, where the purpose of the law or bylaw is to protect or promote public health or where the law or bylaw relates to the operation of the pharmacy or the provision of pharmacy services, in particular:
    • section 43 of the Narcotic Control Regulations, as amended; and/or
    • section G.03.012 under the Food and Drug Regulations, as amended; and/or
    • section 72 of the Benzodiazepines and Other Targeted Substances Regulations, as amended;
  • Engaged in conduct or performed an act relevant to the operation of a pharmacy that, having regard to the circumstances, would reasonably be regarded by members as disgraceful, dishonourable or unprofessional.

 

Hearing Dates: TBA

Summary of Allegations

As a result of a referral by the Inquiries, Complaints and Reports Committee, it is alleged that Kirteekumar (Kirtee) Pandya, while engaged in the practice of pharmacy at Comber Drugstore Ltd (the “Pharmacy”), and/or as the Designated Manager of the Pharmacy and/or as a director and/or shareholder of the corporation operating the Pharmacy, committed professional with respect to the following:

  • Between about January 1, 2014 and December 31, 2017, he dispensed (or he permitted, consented to or approved, expressly or impliedly, the dispensing of) prescription drugs pursuant to co-signed or rewritten prescriptions for out-of-country patients, without taking and/or documenting reasonable steps to confirm whether an established physician-patient relationship existed between the prescribers and the patients;
  • Between about January 1, 2016 and December 31, 2017, he dispensed (or he permitted, consented to or approved, expressly or impliedly, the dispensing of) prescription drugs pursuant to ostensible prescriptions that were not valid, because the practitioner did not practice in the province in which they were licensed as required by s. C.01.001(1) of the Food and Drug Regulations, CRC, c 870, and he therefore contravened s. 155(1) of the Drug and Pharmacies Regulation Act, RSO 1990, c H.4, and s. C.01.041(1) of the Food and Drug Regulations, with respect to all prescriptions attributed to either [Physician 1] or [Physicians 2] as prescriber;
  • Between about June 1, 2016 and December 31, 2017, he dispensed (or he permitted, consented to or approved, expressly or impliedly, the dispensing of) prescription drugs pursuant to refill authorizations deemed to be invalid because the prescriber, [Physician 1], was no longer an authorized prescriber, without documenting any rationale for dispensing pursuant to the invalid authorizations;
  • Between about January 1, 2016 and December 31, 2017, he dispensed (or he permitted, consented to or approved, expressly or impliedly, the dispensing of) prescription drugs without ensuring that the prescriber’s address was recorded on the prescription as required by s. 156(1)(d) of the Drug and Pharmacies Regulation Act, RSO 1990, c H.4, with respect to certain identified prescriptions.

 

In particular, it is alleged that he:

  • Failed to maintain a standard of practice of the profession;
  • Failed to keep records as required respecting his patients or practice;
  • Contravened the Pharmacy Act, the Drug and Pharmacies Regulation Act, the Regulated Health Professions Act, 1991, the Narcotics Safety and Awareness Act, 2010, the Drug Interchangeability and Dispensing Fee Act or the Ontario Drug Benefit Act or the regulations under those Acts, and in particular:
    • 155(1) and/or s. 156(1)(d) of the Drug and Pharmacies Regulation Act, RSO 1990, c H.4;
    • C.01.041(1) of the Food and Drug Regulations;
  • Contravened a federal, provincial or territorial law or municipal by-law with respect to the distribution, purchase, sale, or dispensing or prescribing of any drug or product, the administering of any substance, or the piercing of the dermis, and in particular
    • 155(1) of the Drug and Pharmacies Regulation Act, RSO 1990, c H.4
    • C.01.041(1) of the Food and Drug Regulations
  • Engaged in conduct or performed an act relevant to the practice of pharmacy that, having regard to all the circumstances, would reasonably be regarded by members as disgraceful, dishonourable or unprofessional.

Hearing Dates: TBA

Summary of Allegations

As a result of a referral by the Inquiries, Complaints and Reports Committee, it is alleged that Sina Salehi, committed professional misconduct with respect to the following incidents:

  • While engaged in the practice of pharmacy as Designated Manager at Doctors Pharmacy in Scarborough, Ontario (“Doctors Scarborough”), and/or as a shareholder and/or director of the corporation that operated the pharmacy,
    1. between about January 1, 2019, and January 15, 2021, he diverted (or permitted, consented to, or approved, expressly or impliedly, the diversion of) prescription drugs to unauthorized recipients and/or sources, with respect to certain identified prescription drugs;
    2. between about January 1, 2019, and January 15, 2021, he submitted (or permitted, consented to, or approved, expressly or impliedly, the submission of) false or unsubstantiated claims for drugs and/or products that were not dispensed, with respect to certain identified drugs and/or products;
    3. between about January 1, 2019, and January 15, 2021, he dispensed (or permitted, consented to, or approved, expressly or impliedly, the dispensing of) prescription drugs without valid authorization, with respect to certain identified prescriptions;
    4. between about January 1, 2019, and January 15, 2021, he failed to ensure that inventory reconciliations of narcotics and controlled substances were performed at least once every six months, and/or he failed to ensure that records of such reconciliations were retained as required;
    5. between about January 1, 2019, and January 15, 2021, he failed to report the loss or theft of narcotics as required by s. 42 of the Narcotic Control Regulations made under the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act, and/or he failed to take all reasonable steps necessary to protect narcotics on his premises or under his control against loss or theft as required by s. 43 of the Narcotic Control Regulations made under the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act;
  • While engaged in the practice of pharmacy as Designated Manager at Doctors Pharmacy in Thornhill, Ontario (“Doctors Thornhill”), and/or as a shareholder and/or director of the corporation that operated the pharmacy,
    1. between about April 1, 2019, and January 15, 2021, he diverted (or permitted, consented to, or approved, expressly or impliedly, the diversion of) prescription drugs to unauthorized recipients and/or sources, with respect to certain identified prescription drugs;
    2. between about April 1, 2019, and January 15, 2021, he submitted (or permitted, consented to, or approved, expressly or impliedly, the submission of) false or unsubstantiated claims for drugs and/or products that were not dispensed, with respect to certain identified drugs and/or products;
    3. between about April 1, 2019, and January 15, 2021, he dispensed (or permitted, consented to, or approved, expressly or impliedly, the dispensing of) prescription drugs without valid authorization, with respect to certain identified prescriptions;
    4. between about April 1, 2019, and January 15, 2021, he failed to ensure that inventory reconciliations of narcotics and controlled substances were performed at least once every six months, and/or he failed to ensure that records of such reconciliations were retained as required;
    5. between about April 1, 2019, and January 15, 2021, he failed to report the loss or theft of narcotics as required by s. 42 of the Narcotic Control Regulations made under the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act, and/or he failed to take all reasonable steps necessary to protect narcotics on his premises or under his control against loss or theft as required by s. 43 of the Narcotic Control Regulations made under the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act;
  • While engaged in the practice of pharmacy at Neighbour’s Drug Mart in Thornhill, Ontario (“Neighbour’s Drug Mart”), and/or as a shareholder and/or director of the corporation that operated the pharmacy,
    1. between about August 4, 2020, and January 15, 2021, he diverted (or permitted, consented to, or approved, expressly or impliedly, the diversion of) prescription drugs to unauthorized recipients and/or sources, with respect to certain identified prescription drugs;
    2. between about August 4, 2020, and January 15, 2021, he submitted (or permitted, consented to, or approved, expressly or impliedly, the submission of) false or unsubstantiated claims for drugs and/or products that were not dispensed, with respect to certain identified drugs and/or products;
    3. between about August 4, 2020, and January 15, 2021, he failed to report the loss or theft of narcotics as required by s. 42 of the Narcotic Control Regulations made under the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act, and/or he failed to take all reasonable steps necessary to protect narcotics on his premises or under his control against loss or theft as required by s. 43 of the Narcotic Control Regulations made under the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act;

In particular, it is alleged that he

  • Failed to maintain a standard of practice of the profession;
  • Failed to keep records as required respecting his patients or practice;
  • Falsified a record relating to his practice or a person’s health record;
  • Submitted an account or charge for services or products that he knew or ought to have known contained a false or misleading statement;
  • Contravened the Pharmacy Act, the Drug and Pharmacies Regulation Act, the Regulated Health Professions Act, 1991, the Narcotics Safety and Awareness Act, 2010, the Drug Interchangeability and Dispensing Fee Act or the Ontario Drug Benefit Act or the regulations under those Acts:
    • s. 155 of the Drug and Pharmacies Regulation Act
  • Contravened a federal, provincial or territorial law or municipal by-law with respect to the distribution, purchase, sale, or dispensing or prescribing of any drug or product, the administering of any substance, or the piercing of the dermis:
    • s. C.01.041 of the Food and Drug Regulations, CRC, c 870, made under the Food and Drugs Act
    • s. 42 and/or s. 43 of the Narcotic Control Regulations made under the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act
  • Engaged in conduct or performed an act relevant to the practice of pharmacy that, having regard to all the circumstances, would reasonably be regarded by members as disgraceful, dishonourable or unprofessional.

Hearing Dates: TBA

Summary of Allegations

As a result of a referral by the Inquiries, Complaints and Reports Committee, it is alleged that Sina Salehi, while engaged in the practice of pharmacy as Designated Manager and/or dispensing pharmacist at Neighbour’s Drug Mart in Thornhill, Ontario (the “Pharmacy”), and/or as a shareholder and/or director of the corporation that operated the Pharmacy, committed professional misconduct with respect to the following incidents:

  • Between about August 4, 2020 and July 31, 2021, he submitted (or in his capacity as Designated Manager of the Pharmacy and/or a shareholder and/or a director of the corporation that operated the Pharmacy he was responsible for the submission of) claims for drugs and/or products that were not dispensed, with respect to certain identified drugs and/or products; and/or
  • He submitted (or in his capacity as Designated Manager of the Pharmacy and/or a shareholder and/or a director of the corporation that operated the Pharmacy he was responsible for the submission of) claims to the Ontario Drug Benefit Program that were not eligible to be paid, with respect to certain identified claims.

In particular, it is alleged that he:

  • Failed to maintain a standard of practice of the profession;
  • Failed to keep records as required;
  • Falsified a record relating to his practice or a person’s health record;
  • Signed or issued, in his professional capacity, a document that he knew or ought to have known contained a false or misleading statement;
  • Submitted an account or charge for services or products that he knew or ought to have known was false or misleading;
  • Contravened the Pharmacy Act, the Drug and Pharmacies Regulation Act, the Regulated Health Professions Act, 1991, the Narcotics Safety and Awareness Act, 2010, the Drug Interchangeability and Dispensing Fee Act or the Ontario Drug Benefit Act or the regulations under those Acts, and in particular he contravened ss. 5, 6, and/or 15(1)(b) of the Ontario Drug Benefits Act, RSO 1990, c O.10, as amended;
  • Engaged in conduct or performed an act relevant to the practice of pharmacy that, having regard to all the circumstances, would reasonably be regarded by members as disgraceful, dishonourable or unprofessional.

Hearing Dates: TBA

Summary of Allegations

As a result of a referral by the Inquiries, Complaints and Reports Committee, it is alleged that Sina Salehi, while engaged in the practice of pharmacy at Family Health Pharmacy Thunder Bay (“FHP Thunder Bay”) in Thunder Bay, Ontario, and/or as an owner (directly or indirectly including as an owner of a beneficial interest) in FHP Thunder Bay, and/or as the Designated Manager, or the person exercising the authority and responsibilities of the Designated Manager, of FHP Thunder Bay, committed professional misconduct with respect to the following incidents:

  • between about August 22, 2022 and November 7, 2022, he permitted, consented to or approved, expressly or impliedly, FHP Thunder Bay operating without a pharmacist being physically present;
  • between about August 22, 2022 and November 7, 2022, he permitted, consented to or approved, expressly or impliedly, the sale and/or dispensing of drugs at FHP Thunder Bay while no pharmacist was physically present;
  • between about November 8, 2022 and January 17, 2023, he permitted, consented to or approved, expressly or impliedly, FHP Thunder Bay operating with no Designated Manager;
  • on or about January 17, 2023, he closed (or caused and/or participated in the closure of) FHP Thunder Bay, without complying with the requirements for closing a pharmacy and for retaining records, and in particular:
    1. he did not submit a pharmacy closing statement to the Registrar within the time required and/or at all, as required by s. 141 of the Drug and Pharmacies Regulation Act, RSO 1990, c H.4;
    1. he did not comply with the requirements of s. 157(2) of the Drug and Pharmacies Regulation Act, RSO 1990, c H.4 relating to the delivery of prescriptions; and/or
    1. he did not comply with the requirements of ss. 20 and 21 of O. Reg. 264/16 made under the Drug and Pharmacies Regulation Act, RSO 1990, c H.4 relating to the retention of records;
  • on or about at least November 8, 2022, he failed to ensure that FHP Thunder Bay contained equipment that was fit for the purpose of storing drugs and other medication, notably a working refrigerator;
  • between about February 16, 2021 and January 17, 2023, he failed to ensure that narcotic counts and/or reconciliations were completed at least every six months at FHP Thunder Bay, and/or that records of such counts and/or reconciliations were retained;
  • on or about November 8, 2022, he attempted to mislead an Ontario College of Pharmacists investigator by claiming to have worked as a pharmacist at FHP Thunder Bay on August 31, 2022, when he knew that he had not;
  • between about January 1, 2022 and January 17, 2023, he diverted (or permitted, consented to, or approved, expressly or impliedly, the diversion of) Apo-Oxycodone CR 40mg and/or Apo-Oxycodone CR 80mg to unauthorized recipients and/or sources;
  • between about August 22, 2022 and January 17, 2023, he diverted (or permitted, consented to, or approved, expressly or impliedly, the diversion of) Teva-Oxycocet 5/325mg to unauthorized recipients and/or sources.

In is further alleged that Sina Salehi, while engaged in the practice of pharmacy at Neighbour’s Drug Mart (“Neighbour’s”) in Thornhill, Ontario, and/or as Designated Manager of Neighbour’s and/or as a shareholder and/or director of the corporation that operated, committed professional misconduct with respect to the following incidents:

  • between about October 27, 2022 and August 1, 2023, he closed (or caused and/or participated in the closure of) Neighbour’s, without complying with the requirements for closing a pharmacy on a temporary basis, and in particular:
    1. he did not take adequate steps to provide notice to the public of the closure, of alternate pharmacies, of emergency contacts, and of other information that would facilitate continuity of care, including by failing to post one or more signs at Neighbour’s for the duration of the closure, failing to provide accurate information to callers to the pharmacy, and/or failing to update the pharmacy’s website and/or Google profile;
    1. he did not comply with the requirements of ss. 20 and 21 of O. Reg. 264/16 made under the Drug and Pharmacies Regulation Act, RSO 1990, c H.4 relating to the retention of records;
  • on or about August 1, 2023, he closed (or caused and/or participated in the closure of) Neighbour’s, without complying with the requirements for closing a pharmacy and for retaining records, and in particular:
    1. he did not submit a pharmacy closing statement to the Registrar within the time required and/or at all, as required by s. 141 of the Drug and Pharmacies Regulation Act, RSO 1990, c H.4;
    1. he did not comply with the requirements of s. 157(2) of the Drug and Pharmacies Regulation Act, RSO 1990, c H.4 relating to the delivery of prescriptions; and/or
  • between about September 16, 2022 and July 14, 2023, he diverted (or permitted, consented to, or approved, expressly or impliedly, the diversion of) drugs, including prescription drugs, narcotics, controlled drugs, and targeted substances, to unauthorized recipients and/or sources, with respect to all drugs purchased by Neighbour’s during that period.

 

In particular, it is alleged that he:

  • Failed to maintain a standard of practice of the profession;
  • Failed to keep records as required respecting his patients or practice;
  • Contravened the Act, the Drug and Pharmacies Regulation Act, the Regulated Health Professions Act, 1991, the Narcotics Safety and Awareness Act, 2010, the Drug Interchangeability and Dispensing Fee Act or the Ontario Drug Benefit Act or the regulations under those Acts, and in particular:
    • sections 141, 146, 146(1.1), 149, 157 of the Drug and Pharmacies Regulation Act;
    • sections 18(2), 19(f)(i), 20 and 21 of O. Reg. 264/16 made under the Drug and Pharmacies Regulation Act;
  • Contravened a federal, provincial or territorial law or municipal by-law with respect to the distribution, purchase, sale, or dispensing or prescribing of any drug or product, the administering of any substance, or the piercing of the dermis, and in particular:
    • section C.01.041 of the Food and Drug Regulations, CRC, c 870, made under the Food and Drugs Act;
    • sections 42 and 43 of the Narcotic Control Regulations made under the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act;
  • Engaged in conduct or performed an act relevant to the practice of pharmacy that, having regard to all the circumstances, would reasonably be regarded by members as disgraceful, dishonourable or unprofessional.

Hearing Dates: TBA

Summary of Allegations

As a result of a referral by the Inquiries, Complaints and Reports Committee, it is alleged that Olivier Salgado, while employed as a pharmacy technician, committed professional misconduct in that:

  • on or about May 9, 2020, he offered and/or gave to [Name] a substance he represented or held out to be Xanax (alprazolam) but was flualprazolam, a benzodiazepine and recreational drug not approved for medical use, after [Name] advised him she had been suffering from [medical condition] or another condition;
  • on or about May 9 and/or 10, 2020, he engaged in sexual intercourse or other forms of sexual relations and/or touching of a sexual nature with [Name] without the consent of [Name].

In particular, it is alleged that he:

  • Contravened a federal or provincial law or municipal by-law with respect to distribution, purchase, sale, or dispensing or prescribing of any drug or product, the administering of any substance, or the piercing of the dermis, and in particular: section 5(1) of the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act, S.C. 1996, c. 19, as amended;
  • Dispensed a drug or administered a substance that he knew or ought to know was not of good quality or did not meet the standards required by law;
  • Engaged in conduct or performed an act relevant to the practice of pharmacy that, having regard to all the circumstances, would reasonably be regarded by members of the profession as disgraceful, dishonourable or unprofessional;
  • Engaged in conduct that is unbecoming of a member.

Hearing Dates: TBA

Summary of Allegations

As a result of a referral by the Inquiries, Complaints and Reports Committee, it is alleged that Morris Samuel, while engaged in the practice of pharmacy as [Role 1] and/or [Role 2] at [the Pharmacy] in [Location], and/or as [Role 3 at] the Pharmacy, committed professional misconduct in that, on or about [date], he:

  • engaged in sexual abuse of patient [Name]; and/or
  • engaged in touching and/or behaviour of a sexual nature, and/or made remarks of a sexual nature towards [Name], who was a Pharmacy co-worker and employee; and/or
  • failed to maintain professional boundaries when he engaged in inappropriate conduct towards [Name] who was a patient and/or a Pharmacy co-worker and employee, consisting of inappropriate remarks, behaviour and/or physical contact.

In particular, it is alleged that he:

  • Sexually abused a patient;
  • Failed to maintain a standard of practice of the profession;
  • Abused a patient emotionally, verbally or physically;
  • Engaged in conduct or performed an act relevant to the practice of pharmacy that, having regard to all the circumstances, would reasonably be regarded by members of the profession as disgraceful, dishonourable or unprofessional.

Hearing Dates: TBA

Summary of Allegations

As a result of a referral by the Inquiries, Complaints and Reports Committee, it is alleged that Sevon Siebs, while engaged in the practice of pharmacy as dispensing pharmacist at Guru Nanak Dev PharmaCentre, Mississauga Hospital PharmaCentre and/or Queensway Health PharmaCentre from about January 1, 2017 to April 30, 2022, committed professional misconduct in that he:

  • Submitted fraudulent claims, related to unauthorized and/or invalid prescriptions, to [Insurer] and Ontario Drug Benefit for reimbursement;
  • Forged prescription authorizations for certain identified prescriptions;
  • Falsified records relating to his practice in connection with certain identified patient profiles;
  • Regularly prescribed medications to himself in contravention of the College’s Policy on Treating Self and Family Members;
  • Regularly prescribed medications to his [family member] in contravention of the College’s Policy on Treating Self and Family Members;
  • Accessed a person’s health record in connection with a prescription provided for Tagrisso for patient [Name];
  • Manually adjusted the price of certain identified prescriptions.

In particular, it is alleged that he:

  • Failed to maintain the standards of practice of the profession;
  • Failed to keep records as required respecting his practice;
  • Falsified records relating to his practice and a person’s health record;
  • Signed or issued, in his professional capacity, a document that he knew or ought to have known contained a false or misleading statement;
  • Accessed a person’s health record without a professional reason to do so;
  • Submitted an account or charge for services or products that he knew or ought to have known was false or misleading;
  • Contravened the Act, the Drug and Pharmacies Regulation Act, the Regulated Health Professions Act, 1991, or the regulations under those Acts, and in particular, section 155(1) of the Drug and Pharmacies Regulation Act;
  • Engaged in conduct or performed an act relevant to the practice of pharmacy that, having regard to all the circumstances, would reasonably be regarded by members of the profession as disgraceful, dishonourable or unprofessional.

Hearing Dates: TBA

Summary of Allegations

As a result of a referral by the Inquiries, Complaints and Reports Committee, it is alleged that Eddie Slama, while engaged in the practice of pharmacy as Designated Manager and/or dispensing pharmacist at Clairhurst Medical Pharmacy (#306104), committed professional misconduct in that he failed to adhere to reasonable, relevant and/or applicable hygiene and/or infection prevention and control practices while present in the Pharmacy.

In particular, it is alleged that he:

  • Failed to maintain a standard of practice of the profession;
  • Contravened the Drug and Pharmacies Regulation Act, the Regulated Health Professions Act, 1991, the Narcotics Safety and Awareness Act, 2010, the Drug Interchangeability and Dispensing Fee Act or the Ontario Drug Benefit Act or the regulations under those Acts, and in particular section 19 of Ontario Regulation 264/16, made under the Drug and Pharmacies Regulation Act;
  • Engaged in conduct or performed an act relevant to the practice of pharmacy that, having regard to all the circumstances, would reasonably be regarded by members of the profession as disgraceful, dishonourable or unprofessional;
  • Engaged in conduct that is unbecoming a member.

Hearing Dates: TBA

Summary of Allegations

As a result of a referral by the Inquiries, Complaints and Reports Committee, it is alleged that Maged Tadros, as a director and/or shareholder of the corporation that owned and operated Ziter Pharmachoice, committed professional misconduct from in or about March 1, 2018, to November 3, 2020, with respect to claims submitted with markups that were excessive and unreasonable, for some or all of certain identified drugs.

In particular, it is alleged that he:

  • Failed to maintain a standard of practice of the profession;
  • Charged (or permitted, consented to or approved, expressly or by implication, charges of) a fee or amount that was excessive in relation to the service or product provided;
  • Engaged in conduct or performed an act relevant to the practice of pharmacy that, having regard to all the circumstances, would reasonably be regarded by members as disgraceful, dishonourable or unprofessional.

Hearing Dates: TBA

Summary of Allegations

As a result of a referral by the Inquiries, Complaints and Reports Committee, it is alleged that Sukhjeev Tatla, on or about August 14, 2022, while he was practising as a relief pharmacist at [the Pharmacy], committed professional misconduct in that he:

  • Engaged in the following conduct toward his patient and co-worker [Name]:
    • Touching of a sexual nature; and/or
    • Behaviour and/or remarks of a sexual nature;
  • Harassed and/or sexually harassed his patient and co-worker [Name], including by:
    • Engaging in a course of vexatious comments or conduct that was known or ought reasonably to be known to be unwelcome;
    • Making comments of a sexual nature; and/or
    • Touching or attempting to touch her inappropriately.

In particular, it is alleged that he:

  • Sexually abused his patient and co-worker [Name];
  • Failed to maintain a standard of practice of the profession;
  • Engaged in conduct or performed an act relevant to the practice of pharmacy that, having regard to all the circumstances, would reasonably be regarded by members of the profession as disgraceful, dishonourable or unprofessional;
  • Engaged in conduct that is unbecoming of a member.

 

Hearing Dates: TBA

Summary of Allegations

As a result of a referral by the Inquiries, Complaints and Reports Committee, it is alleged that Ali Yehya, while practising as a pharmacist and the Designated Manager at [the Pharmacy], committed professional misconduct in that:

  • Between approximately [Specified Date 1] and [Specified Date 2], in respect of his patient and [relationship] P1, he:
    • Engaged in an inappropriate romantic and/or sexual relationship, that included kissing, touching of a sexual nature, and/or remarks of a romantic and sexual nature; and/or
    • Failed to maintain professional boundaries of the pharmacist-patient relationship, including by, on one or more occasion, (a) kissing, (b) touching of a sexual nature, and/or (c) remarks of a romantic and sexual nature.
  • Between approximately [Specified Date 3] and [Specified Date 4], in respect of his patient and [relationship], P2, he:
    • Engaged in harassment and/or sexual harassment, including by (a) making vexatious comments or engaging in conduct that was known or ought reasonably to have been known to be unwelcome; (b) making comments of a sexual nature; and/or (c) touching and/or attempting to touch her inappropriately; and/or
    • Failed to maintain professional boundaries of the pharmacist-patient relationship, including by (a) making vexatious comments or engaging in conduct that was known or ought reasonably to have been known to be unwelcome; (b) making comments of a sexual nature; and/or (c) touching and/or attempting to touch her inappropriately.

In particular, it is alleged that he:

  • Sexually abused a patient;
  • Failed to maintain a standard of practice of the profession;
  • Engaged in conduct or performed an act relevant to the practice of pharmacy that, having regard to all the circumstances, would reasonably be regarded by members of the profession as disgraceful, dishonourable or unprofessional.

Hearing Dates: TBA

Summary of Allegations

As a result of a referral by the Inquiries, Complaints and Reports Committee, it is alleged that Hamidreza Zarrinkalam, while engaged in the practice of pharmacy at Family Health Pharmacy Thunder Bay (“FHP Thunder Bay”) in Thunder Bay, Ontario, and/or as the director liaison of the corporation that operated FHP Thunder Bay, and/or as the Designated Manager, or the person exercising the authority and responsibilities of the Designated Manager, of FHP Thunder Bay, committed professional misconduct with respect to the following incidents:

  • between about August 22, 2022 and November 7, 2022, he permitted, consented to or approved, expressly or impliedly, FHP Thunder Bay operating without a pharmacist being physically present;
  • between about August 22, 2022 and November 7, 2022, he permitted, consented to or approved, expressly or impliedly, the sale and/or dispensing of drugs at FHP Thunder Bay while no pharmacist was physically present;
  • between about November 8, 2022 and January 17, 2023, he permitted, consented to or approved, expressly or impliedly, FHP Thunder Bay operating with no Designated Manager;
  • on or about January 17, 2023, he closed (or caused and/or participated in the closure of) FHP Thunder Bay, without complying with the requirements for closing a pharmacy and for retaining records, and in particular:
    1. he did not submit a pharmacy closing statement to the Registrar within the time required and/or at all, as required by s. 141 of the Drug and Pharmacies Regulation Act, RSO 1990, c H.4;
    2. he did not comply with the requirements of s. 157(2) of the Drug and Pharmacies Regulation Act, RSO 1990, c H.4 relating to the delivery of prescriptions; and/or
    3. he did not comply with the requirements of ss. 20 and 21 of O. Reg. 264/16 made under the Drug and Pharmacies Regulation Act, RSO 1990, c H.4 relating to the retention of records;
  • on or about at least November 8, 2022, he failed to ensure that FHP Thunder Bay contained equipment that was fit for the purpose of storing drugs and other medication, notably a working refrigerator;
  • between about June 1, 2022 and January 17, 2023, he failed to ensure that narcotic counts and/or reconciliations were completed at least every six months at FHP Thunder Bay, and/or that records of such counts and/or reconciliations were retained

 

It is further alleged that Hamidreza Zarrinkalam, while engaged in the practice of pharmacy at Family Health Pharmacy – Steeles (“FHP Steeles”) in Thornhill, Ontario, and/or as Designated Manager of FHP Steeles, committed professional misconduct with respect to the following incidents:

  • on or about January 27, 2023, he permitted, consented to or approved, expressly or impliedly, FHP Steeles operating without a pharmacist being physically present;
  • on or about January 27, 2023, he permitted, consented to or approved, expressly or impliedly, the sale and/or dispensing of drugs at FHP Steeles while no pharmacist was physically present, with respect to certain identified prescriptions identified;
  • on or about January 27, 2023, he permitted, consented to or approved, expressly or impliedly, the dispensing of new prescriptions to patients without the patients being offered counselling by a pharmacist, with respect to certain identified prescriptions;
  • on or about January 27, 2023, he permitted, consented to or approved, expressly or impliedly, the dispensing of prescriptions to patients without the prescriptions having been checked appropriately by a pharmacist, with respect to certain identified prescriptions;
  • on or about January 27, 2023, he committed (or permitted, consented to or approved, expressly or impliedly, the commission of) a dispensing error with respect to Rx #[…], for which 60g of Betaderm 0.1% cream was prescribed, but 50g of Betaderm 0.1% ointment was dispensed;
  • on or about January 27, 2023, he submitted (or permitted, consented to or approved, expressly or impliedly, the submission of) claims to the Ontario Drug Benefit Program that were not eligible to be paid, with respect to claims for Rx #[…] and Rx #[…] for COVID-19 test specimen collection fees where the specimens were not collected by a Part A pharmacist;

 

In particular, it is alleged that he:

  • failed to maintain a standard of practice of the profession;
  • failed to keep records as required respecting his patients or practice;
  • falsified a record relating to his practice or a person’s health record;
  • signed or issued, in his professional capacity, a document that he knew or ought to have known contained a false or misleading statement;
  • submitted an account or charge for services or products that he knew or ought to have known contained a false or misleading statement;
  • contravened the Act, the Drug and Pharmacies Regulation Act, the Regulated Health Professions Act, 1991, the Narcotics Safety and Awareness Act, 2010, the Drug Interchangeability and Dispensing Fee Act or the Ontario Drug Benefit Act or the regulations under those Acts, and in particular:
    • 141, 146, 146(1.1), 149, and 157(2) of the Drug and Pharmacies Regulation Act;
    • 18(2),19(f)(i), 20 and 21 of O. Reg. 264/16 made under the Drug and Pharmacies Regulation Act;
    • 5, 6, and/or 15(1)(b) of the Ontario Drug Benefits Act;
  • contravened a federal, provincial or territorial law or municipal by-law with respect to the distribution, purchase, sale, or dispensing or prescribing of any drug or product, the administering of any substance, or the piercing of the dermis, and in particular:
    • C.01.041 of the Food and Drug Regulations, CRC, c 870, made under the Food and Drugs Act
  • engaged in conduct or performed an act relevant to the practice of pharmacy that, having regard to all the circumstances, would reasonably be regarded by members as disgraceful, dishonourable or unprofessional.