Designated Manager – Required Signage in a Community Pharmacy Policy

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

• Ontario Drug and Pharmacies Regulation Act, 1990 and Regulations
• Ontario Drug Interchangeability and Dispensing Fee Act, 1990 and Regulations
• Federal Controlled Drugs and Substances Act, 1996 (CDSA)
  • Narcotic Control Regulations (NCR, s42, 43, 63)
  • Benzodiazepine and Other Targeted Substances Regulations (BOTSR, s72)
• Federal Food and Drug Regulations, (C.R.C., c.870) Part G (FDR, G03.012, G03.013, G05.004)

Additional References

• The Point of Care Symbol

Implementation

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

Revision History