Jurisprudence

Who are the OCP (Ontario College of Pharmacists)? When were they incorporated?

Regulating body for pharmacy practice in Ontario, incorporated in 1871

Who does the OCP serve?

Serve and protect public interest

Describe the OCP’s council composition.

New president every year

15 elected pharmacists, 2 deans of pharmacy, 9-16 public members

2 elected technicians

How often does the OCP council meet?

4 times per year

What are the statutory committees of OCP?

Accreditation, discipling, executive, fitness to practice, inquiries/complaints/reports, patient relations, quality assurance, registration

What are the standing committees of OCP?

Drug preparation premises, finance & audit, governance, screening, governance review

List the 5 authorized acts for pharmacy profession (scope of practice)

1. Dispensing, selling or compounding drug or supervising part of pharmacy where drugs are kept

2. Administering by injection or inhalation a substance specified in the regulations

3. Prescribing drug specified in the regulations (initiating therapy)

4. Prescribing drug other than one mentioned in paragraph 3 in accordance with regulations

5. Performing procedure on tissue below dermis

Which act regulates our scope of practice?

Pharmacy Act (under RHPA)

Which of the following is NOT an example of a provincial legislation?

a) Controlled Drug and Substances Act
b) Ontario Drug Benefit Act
c) Pharmacy Act
d) Drug Interchangeability and Dispensing Fee Act
e) Regulated Health Professions Act

a

Which of the following is NOT an example of a restricted title under the Pharmacy Act of 1991?
a) Apothecary
b) Druggist
c) Pharmacy Assistant
d) Pharmacy Technician
e) All of the above are restricted titles

c

What does the "C/T" symbol on stock bottles or packages refer to?
a) benzodiazepines and other targeted substances
b) prescription item
c) controlled drug
d) narcotic

a

What does the "Pr" symbol on stock bottles or packages refer to?
a) Narcotic
b) Benzodiazepines and other targeted substances
c) Prescription item
d) Controlled drug

c

T/F A Part B pharmacist can be a Designated Manager of a pharmacy.

F

You are the new owner of a community pharmacy and are deciding how to organize your stock. Based on NAPRA drug schedule, where should a bottle containing 50 capsules of 400mg ibuprofen be kept?
a) in the self selection area, no more than 10m from the pharmacy counter
b) behind the counter, but not prescription
c) anywhere in the front of the store
d) prescription only

a

If an unregistered person uses protected pharmacy title and performs a controlled act, they are violating:
a) transparent regulation
b) restrictive regulation
c) proactive regulation
d) reactive regulation

b

What info can you find on the Public Registrar on OCP (AKA "Find a Pharmacy or Pharmacy Professional" section on the website)?

Info about registered pharmacies and pharmacy professionals in ON, help patients make informed decisions

What are the key responsibilities of the OCP council?

Setting regulations and policies

Overseeing pharmacy practice in the public interest

Ensuring compliance with RHPA and Pharmacy Act

What were some major changes to the scope of practice due to COVID-19?

Administer vax, prescribe for minor ailments and provide med renewals

What is the role of statutory and standing committees within OCP?

Handle key functions such as registration, complaints, discipline, quality assurance and accreditation

What should a pharmacy professional do if they witness sexual abuse of a patient by another professional?

File mandatory report with registrar of OCP

How does the RHPA ensure public protection in pharmacy practice?

Establish professional misconduct regulations

Requires public accountability through complains and discipline process

Mandates quality assurance programs

Which legislation primarily governs the practice of pharmacy professionals in Ontario?
a) Canada Health Act
b) Regulated Health Professions Act (RHPA)
c) Pharmacy Act
d) A & B
e) B & C

e

What is the primary role of OCP council?

a) advocate for pharmacists' rights
b) regulate pharmacy practice in the public interest
c) lobby for increased pharmacist wages
d) accredit pharmacy schools

b

Which body oversees the OCP to ensure it is fulfilling its mandate under the Canadian legal system?

Ontario Ministry of Health

What is the difference between RHPA and PA?

RHPA: governs all regulated health professionals in ON

PA: specific to pharmacy professionals, outlines scope of practice

What are the 3 key functions of a regulatory college like the OCP?

1. Registration & Licensing - ensuring only qualified individuals practice
2. Complaints & Discipline - handling professional misconduct
3. Quality Assurance - maintaining professional competence

What does the OCP quality assurance program ensure?

Pharmacy professionals maintain competence and provide high-quality care through continuous learning

What are examples of professional misconduct under the RHPA?

Falsifying records

Practicing while impaired

Engaging in sexual abuse of patient

Breaching patient confidentiality

What happens if a complaint is made against a pharmacy?

Inquiries, Complaints and Reports Committee (ICRC) reviews the case and may refer to the Discipling Committee

In ON, what are authorized acts for pharmacists?

Administering injections/vax

Prescribing for minor ailments

Performing medication reviews

Dispensing and compounding medication

What is the main role of the Discipline Committee?

Hold hearings and impose penalties when pharmacy professionals violate regulations

How does the OCP ensure pharmacy professionals remain competent?

Quality Assurance Program (include self-assessment, continuing education, and peer reviews)

T/F Pharmacy Students/Interns can adapt prescriptions for controlled substances/narcotics according to the COVID-19 updates.

F, only pharmacists can do this

Until when is the exemption in place allowing pharmacists to adapt and/or renew prescriptions for controlled substances?

Sept 30, 2026

When was the RHPA amended then revised to allow administration of COVID-19 vaccines?

Amended Jan 13, 2021

Revised Apr 1, 2024

When was the scope of practice last updated?

Oct 2024

Which legislation governs pharmacy operations and drug scheduling in Ontario?

Drug and Pharmacies Regulation Act (DPRA)

Which drug schedule allows for OTC sale without a pharmacist’s intervention?

Unscheduled

Which of the following is NOT a legal requirement when mailing a prescription?
a) package must be tamper-proof
b) pharmacist must be available for consultation
c) patient must sign waiver
d) prescription must be properly labeled

c

What happens if a pharmacy owner's license is revoked or they declare bankruptcy? 
a) pharmacy may continue operating under the operation of a technician
b) pharmacy must immediately cease operations
c) OCP takes ownership of pharmacy
d) pharmacy may continue selling non-prescription medications only

b

Which of the following is a legally required element on a prescription label?
a) patient's full name
b) directions for use
c) pharmacy name and contact info
d) all of the above

d

Under Ontario law, which prescriptions can be transferred between pharmacies?
a) narcotics
b) controlled substances
c) benzodiazepines and other targeted substances
d) all prescriptions

c

How do prescription requirements differ for international prescribers compared to Canada prescribers?
a) international prescriptions are accepted without verification
b) Canadian pharmacies cannot fill international prescriptions
c) international prescriptions require only a pharmacist's signature
d) international prescriptions can only be filled by hospitals

b

What is the DPRA?

governs pharmacy practice in ON, including drug scheduling, licensing and operational standards

What are the four drug schedules in ON?

Schedule I: RX drugs

Schedule II: behind-the-counter, pharmacist-assisted sale

Schedule III: OTC, available in a pharmacy

Unscheduled: can be sold anywhere

What are the legal requirements for transferring a prescription?

Can only be done between license pharmacists

Cannot transfer narcotics and controlled substances

Must record details of transfer

What are the key differences between written and verbal prescriptions?

Written: signed by prescriber, required for narcotics and controlled substances

Verbal: given by phone allowed for some non-controlled medications

What happens if a pharmacy owner dies, declares bankruptcy, or has their license revoked?

The pharmacy must cease opertions immediately until ownership is resolved

What is the proprietary misconduct in pharmacy practice?

Conflict of interest

Failing to comply with licensing regulations

Operating a pharmacy without proper accreditation

What is a Remote Dispensing Location (RDL)?

Pharmacy site that dispenses medications remotely under the supervision of a licensed pharmacy

Which federal body regulates drug manufacturing, importing, and distribution in Canada?
a) NAPRA
b) Canadian Pharmacists Association (CPhA)
c) Health Canada
d) College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada

c

Which legislation sets the legal framework for drug safety, efficacy, and quality in Canada?

a) NAPRA

b) FDA

c) RHPA

d) Health Canada

b

What does the "N" symbol on a medication label indicate?
a) natural health product
b) narcotic and regulated under the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act
c) requires a prescription for dispensing
d) newly approved by Health Canada

b

What is the main function of the Canada Vigilance Program?

Monitor and report adverse drug reactions

Which of the following is a key step in the drug approval process in Canada?

a) The manufacturer submits a New Drug Submission (NDS) to Health Canada
b) Drugs are automatically approved if used in other countries
c) The drug must first be scheduled by NAPRA before being reviewed
d) The manufacturer only needs to show the drug is effective, not safe

a

What organization is responsible for drug scheduling in Canada?

a) Health Canada

b) National Drug Scheduling Advisory Committee (NDSAC)

c) Ontario College of Pharmacists (OCP)

d) Canadian Medical Association (CMA)

b

Which drug schedules allows OCT sale in pharmacies without pharmacist intervention?

a) Schedule I

b) Schedule II

c) Schedule III

d) Unscheduled

c

What are the three types of drug recalls?

Class I: Serious health risks (ex: contaminated medication)

Class II: Temporary or reversible health effects

Class III: No likely health effects but still violates regulations

What are the four drug categories in Canada?

1. Prescription Drugs - need prescription from healthcare professional

2. Controlled Substances - additional restrictions due to abuse potential

3. Non-Prescription Drugs - sold anywhere without prescription

4. Natural Health Products (NHPs) - include vitamins, supplements, herbal remedies

What is the Prescription Drug List (PDL)?

List maintained by Health Canada, contains all drugs requiring prescription for sale in Canada

What factors determine if a drug is included in the Prescription Drug List?

Potential for misuse

Need for professional diagnose

Risk of serious side effects