Pharmacy Operational Assessment Process

As the regulator for the profession of pharmacy in Ontario, the College oversees both the practice of pharmacy professionals and the operation of pharmacies within the province.

Ensuring that pharmacies are operating safely and the public is receiving safe and effective care is one of the primary ways the College ensures the public is protected.

Only those facilities that have been assessed and have met specified criteria are authorized to operate in the province.

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Types of Facilities

The College assesses and accredits several types of pharmacies in Ontario. These include:

Learn more about the types of pharmacies in Ontario.

Types of Operational Assessments

There are several types of operational assessments. Depending on the type of facility, routine assessments occur every one to four years. Timing depends on the type of facility, the activities performed there, and the risk of harm to the public. Each type of facility listed above has different types and timing for assessments.

Due to public health measures in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, the College will conduct the majority of operational and practice assessments through comprehensive virtual meeting formats (remote video assessments) until further notice. College advisors will continue to thoroughly assess pharmacies and registrants against all established relevant standards; in-person assessments will be conducted on a case-by-case basis. Read our “Information About Remote Assessments” news post to learn more.