Designated Manager – Required Signage in a Community Pharmacy Policy

Purpose

This policy articulates the College’s expectations of the Designated Manager (DM) in ensuring the required signage is in place in a community pharmacy.

Introduction

It is in the public interest to ensure that members of the public are informed when the services they are receiving are being provided by accredited pharmacies and registered pharmacy professionals.

As defined in the Drug and Pharmacies Regulation Act, 1990 (DPRA) the DM is a pharmacist in Part A of the register designated by the owner of the pharmacy, in information provided to the College, as the pharmacist responsible for managing the community pharmacy.

The DM’s responsibilities are equal to that of the person, or the directors of a corporation, who have been issued a certificate of accreditation to ensure that the pharmacy conforms to the requirements set out in legislation and regulations.

The DM has the same professional practice obligations as all registered pharmacists, and in addition to these, the DM has authority and accountability over decisions affecting the operation of a community pharmacy. It is the responsibility of the DM to actively and effectively participate in and monitor the day-to-day management of the pharmacy.

Definitions

Narcotics: Any product or preparation which contains a drug named in the Schedule to the Narcotic Control Regulations.

Policy

The DM is responsible for ensuring that all signage in a community pharmacy required by legislation and policy is appropriately and prominently displayed.

Signage at Pharmacy Entrance(s)

The following signs are required to be clearly displayed and be easily visible to the public:

  • In at least one main public entrance, the College’s Point of Care symbol in its unaltered form (O. Reg. 264/16)
  • At each public entrance, the ‘Narcotics Secured in a Time-Delayed Safe’ sign

Signage at the dispensary

The following signs are required to be displayed clearly and prominently in or adjacent to the dispensary area so that it is readable by a person presenting a prescription:

  • The notice concerning the patient’s right to request an interchangeable product (R.R.O.1990, Reg. 936)
  • The notice of the pharmacy’s usual and customary dispensing fee (R.R.O.1990, Reg. 936)
  • The ‘Narcotics Secured in a Time-Delayed Safe’ sign

The DM’s name and/or certificate of registration must be clearly and publicly displayed in the pharmacy (DPRA).

The DM shall ensure that all pharmacy personnel are identified by name and that registrants are clearly distinguishable by the public from other pharmacy staff.

Remote Dispensing Location

Where the certificate of accreditation of the pharmacy permits remote dispensing, the DM shall ensure that the following are prominently visible to the public at the remote dispensing location (O. Reg. 264/16):

  • The College’s Point of Care symbol in its unaltered form (O. Reg. 264/16)
  • A ‘No Narcotics On-site’ Sign
  • The name, address, telephone number and accreditation number of the pharmacy operating the remote dispensing location (O. Reg. 264/16)
  • The DM’s name (O. Reg. 264/16)
  • The location of the patient records for those purchasing medication through the remote dispensing location (O. Reg. 264/16)
Legislative References
Additional References
Implementation

Published: March 2023
Version #: 2.01
College Contact: Pharmacy Practice

Revision History
Version # Date Action
1.00 2011 Newly developed policy
2.00 2014 Policy Reviewed
2.01 2023 Policy updated to include signage requirements for the storage of narcotics.