LS 2.5: Explain Provincial Standards Applicable to Pharmacy Practice

What are pharmacy standards of practice

They define the minimum requirements for pharmacists and technicians to ensure safe and effective care

What is competency in pharmacy practice

The ability to apply knowledge and skills in real-world situations, continuously developing expertise.

Name five domains of NAPRA's Model Standards of Practice for Pharmacy Technicians

1) Providing Care, 2) Knowledge and Expertise, 3) Communication and Collaboration, 4) Leadership and Stewardship, 5) Professionalism.

How do pharmacists and pharmacy technicians differ in assessing medication use

Technicians identify potential inappropriate medication use, while pharmacists reassess and confirm the patient's care plan.

Who is responsible for ensuring that patients understand their therapy

The pharmacist confirms patient understanding and provides referrals if needed.

What are the three NAPRA model standards for pharmacy compounding

1) Non-Hazardous Preparations, 2) Non-Hazardous Sterile Preparations, 3) Hazardous Sterile Preparations.

Why are compounding standards important

To ensure quality, safety, and compliance in pharmacy compounding.

Where must non-prescription drugs be located in a pharmacy

In accordance with drug schedule classifications.

What is required before a pharmacist recommends a Schedule II or III drug

They must assess the patient's knowledge and needs.

What are two common medications used in OAT

Methadone and Buprenorphine/Naloxone.

What are the goals of OAT

Reduce illicit opioid use, decrease needle sharing, and lower criminal activity.

What is required for a take-home dose (carry) of methadone

Written authorization, risk assessment, refrigeration, tamper-resistant seal, and proper labeling.

What is the primary role of a pharmacy technician

Ensure prescriptions are filled correctly and safely.

What is the role of a pharmacy assistant

Support pharmacists and technicians under supervision but cannot check work or make independent decisions.

What is the difference between a standard of practice and a competency

A standard of practice defines the minimum expectations, while a competency is the ability to apply knowledge and skills effectively.

What federal legislation supports pharmacy technician mobility across provinces

The Labour Mobility Chapter of the Canadian Free Trade Agreement (CFTA).

What are the three compounding levels defined by USP

Level A (Simple & Moderate), Level B (Complex), and Level C (Hazardous drugs).

What factors must be assessed before deciding to compound a medication

Risk assessment, personnel training, facility requirements, labeling, and quality assurance.

What is the goal of the NAPRA Model Standards for Continuous Quality Improvement (CQI)

To improve patient safety by analyzing and preventing medication-related incidents.

What must pharmacy professionals do if a medication incident occurs

Document, report, analyze, and implement changes to prevent future incidents.

What are the two main types of opioid agonist therapies (OAT) used in Saskatchewan

Methadone and Buprenorphine/Naloxone.

What are the key prescription requirements for OAT medications

Prescriptions must be written on a prescriber's personalized pad, specify start/end dates, and include instructions for witnessed ingestion.

What is the maximum duration a take-home methadone dose can be provided

Up to 6 days, with exceptions in special circumstances.

Who is responsible for ensuring appropriate drug therapy and patient education?

The pharmacist.

What are two key responsibilities of a pharmacy technician

Prescription preparation (counting, labeling, etc.) and transferring prescriptions between pharmacies.

Can pharmacy assistants check the work of others or make independent decisions

No, they must work under direct supervision and cannot take accountability for dispensing decisions.