NAPRA Updates
The National Association of Pharmacy Regulatory Authorities (NAPRA) has added clarifications to the Model Standards for Pharmacy Compounding of Non-sterile Preparations (sections 8.3 and 9.1) and its accompanying guidance document (sections 8.4 and 9.1.1).
The clarified topics include, but are not limited to
- Level C compounding requirements, and
- The facilities for handling of hazardous products.
These clarifications do not introduce substantive changes to the documents or the requirements; they are limited to adding clarity and precision to the existing requirements. Pharmacy professionals are encouraged to review the updated sections.
Pharmacy professionals engaged in non-sterile compounding have an obligation to comply with the NAPRA Model Standards for Pharmacy Compounding of Non-sterile Preparations.
Please note that pharmacies that handle hazardous products/active pharmaceutical ingredients (API) should ensure the NAPRA requirements for compounding and storing hazardous products and API are adhered to. Table 8 of the Model Standards for Pharmacy Compounding of Non-sterile Preparations guidance document includes the following information regarding the hazardous products storage area:
Required conditions for a hazardous products storage area
- Area separate from the unpacking area
- Dedicated room
- Negative pressure (–2.5 Pa) relative to surrounding areas
- At least 12 air changes per hour (ACPH), with all air exhausted to the exterior
- Presence of shelves with lips to prevent drug containers from falling off and breaking
- Storage spaces for hazardous products and preparations identified with appropriate signage to indicate the presence of hazardous products
- Sufficient ventilation to prevent contamination from spreading to adjoining rooms
To view the documents:
- Model Standards for Pharmacy Compounding of Non-sterile Preparations
- Guidance Document for Pharmacy Compounding of Non-sterile Preparations
Reducing the Chance of Patient Harm: Continuous Quality Improvement Resources and Strategies for Pharmacy Professionals
Safety IQ aims to foster a culture of open communication and shared learning from incidents and near-miss events. Shared learning is a key element of continuous quality improvement that your pharmacy team can use to prevent the chances of patient harm.
CPhM has published five real-life Manitoba case studies that examine near-miss events and medication incidents and provide improvement strategies: https://cphm.ca/practice-education/safety-iq/
These case studies demonstrate a small sample of the value-added outcomes of reporting medication incidents and near-miss events that your pharmacy can take advantage of to improve safety.
CPhM also publishes additional case studies and other quality improvement resources on the Shared Learning page at https://cphm.ca/practice-education/shared-learning/. The Shared Learning page includes:
- Case Studies from the Medical Examiner
- Opioid Agonist Therapy and Patient Safety
- ISMP Canada Safety Bulletins
- SMART Medication Safety Agenda
Check back to the Shared Learning page often as CPhM will add new resources over time.
If your pharmacy has an improvement story that would be a good learning opportunity for other pharmacy professionals, please forward your experience to the Safety IQ team at safetyiq@cphm.ca. Your story may be shared through CPhM publications and any identifying information about the pharmacy or staff will be kept anonymous.
Career Opportunity: Registrar/Chief Executive Officer
The College of Pharmacists of Manitoba (CPhM) is seeking its next Registrar/ Chief Executive Officer to further the role of CPhM as a health system leader devoted to accountability, integrity, and transparency.
The CPhM Search Committee is working with Boyden Canada to lead the recruitment process.
To explore this exciting opportunity further, please visit the Boyden Canada Opportunities website at https://www.boyden.com/canada/opportunities/index.html
2021 CPhM AGM Registration and Annual Report Now Available
The College of Pharmacists of Manitoba (CPhM) will hold its 144th Annual General Meeting (AGM) on Saturday, May 7, 2022, by webinar.
The 2021 Annual Report and Financial Statements are now available on the CPhM website.
For more information and to register, please click here.
Upcoming Events and Professional Development Opportunities
ISMP Canada Medication Safety Workshops:
Patient Safety Incident Analysis and Proactive Risk Assessment Workshop for Health Care Professionals
April 28-29, May 14-15, & June 16-17, 2022
Register here.
Multi-Incident Analysis and Medication Safety Culture Assessment Virtual Workshop
June 2-3, & October 1-2, 2022
Register here.
MedRec and BPMH Training for Health Care Professionals Workshop
May 19, September 24, & November 18, 2022
Register here.
Continuing Education/Professional Development in Aging Survey
Click here to participate in a University of Manitoba, Centre on Aging survey about continuing education and professional development in aging.
Canadian Society of Hospital Pharmacists – MB Spring Half Day 2022 Webinar
May 14, 2022
Register here.
Canadian Association of Pharmacy Technicians Professional Development Virtual Conference
May 29, 2022
Register here.