Important Update: Collaborative Efforts for Enhanced Access to CPSM Methadone and Suboxone Prescriber List
The College of Pharmacists of Manitoba (CPhM) has partnered with the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Manitoba (CPSM) to introduce a more efficient process for accessing the CPSM Methadone and Suboxone Prescriber List.
To access the list, CPSM has developed a searchable prescriber portal specifically for pharmacists’ use. To log in, please connect with your pharmacy manager for access to the private username and password.
Once logged in, you’ll have the ability to perform real-time searches on prescribers, allowing you to make informed decisions promptly.
Important Points to Consider:
- Ensure you use a modern browser for optimal CPSM Portal performance. Older versions and Internet Explorer may cause website loading issues.
- For security purposes, the CPSM Pharmacist Portal will log you out after a period of inactivity. If this occurs, simply re-login to continue your work.
- This portal is exclusively designated for pharmacist use only.
We understand that change can be challenging. This new process aims to enhance your user experience and grant you easier access to vital CPSM information.
Thank you for your cooperation and understanding as we streamline access to the CPSM Methadone and Suboxone Prescriber List. Should you have any questions or concerns, please contact info@cphm.ca.
Proper Use of the Title “Doctor” for Pharmacists in Manitoba: Understanding the Rules
The use of the protected title “doctor” in the healthcare industry has been a subject of controversy and debate. With the adoption of the Doctor of Pharmacy (PharmD) program at the University of Manitoba Rady Faculty of Health Sciences, it is essential to educate new graduates and other pharmacy professionals about the proper use of this title. This article aims to provide clarity on the rules and guidelines for the appropriate use of the title “doctor” in the context of pharmacists in Manitoba.
Understanding the Pharmaceutical Act and the Regulated Health Professions Act (RHPA):
The Pharmaceutical Act represents the regulatory framework to govern, among other things, the practice of pharmacists in the province. These legislative provisions outline specific rules and regulations related to the use of professional titles and designations, aimed at upholding public safety and minimizing any potential confusion by patients.
The RHPA also outlines rules related to the use of titles, such as “doctor,” in the legislation. The RHPA restricts the use of the title “doctor”. Except as permitted under the RHPA or another Act, no person is entitled to use the title “doctor”, a variation or abbreviation of it, or an equivalent in another language in the course of providing health care in Manitoba. The purpose of this prohibition is to avoid confusion among health care consumers.
For more information, please see Part 6: Title Restriction of the RPHA and section 4(2) of the Pharmaceutical Act (Use of Titles).
The Use of the Title “Doctor” for PharmD Graduates:
The Doctor of Pharmacy (PharmD) is the qualifying degree required for entry to practice as a pharmacist in Manitoba, equipping pharmacists with advanced clinical knowledge and skills.
While pharmacists with a PharmD degree may possess a university doctorate, it is crucial to understand that the use of the title “doctor” within the healthcare context is only permitted to describe academic achievement and is not a designator of professional competence. In Manitoba, the Pharmaceutical Act and the RHPA specify guidelines for the appropriate use of the title “doctor” and “doctor of pharmacy.”
According to the current legislation, a registrant of the College of Pharmacists of Manitoba may use the title “doctor” or a variation or abbreviation of it or an equivalent in another language, but only if the registrant has obtained or earned a doctoral degree in a program of pharmacy approved by the college, and if the word “Pharmacy” is used immediately before or after the registrant’s name. It is important to ensure that the use of this title does not lead to confusion or misrepresentation, particularly in the patient-provider relationship.
Example: Dr. Jane Doe, Doctor of Pharmacy
Doctor of Pharmacy, John Doe
Guidelines for Proper Use of the Title:
To use the title “doctor of pharmacy” responsibly and ethically, pharmacists in Manitoba should adhere to the following guidelines:
- Clarity in Communication: Restriction on use of the title “doctor” is to prevent confusion for patients about health care professionals and the services those professionals are qualified and competent to provide. Pharmacists should clearly communicate their role and qualifications to patients, colleagues, and other healthcare professionals, avoiding any potential confusion or misinterpretation by using the title “doctor” inappropriately.
- Contextual Disclosure: While interacting with patients, pharmacists should identify themselves as pharmacists and clarify their role in the healthcare team. They should provide information about their qualifications, such as holding a PharmD or a university doctorate, if appropriate and relevant to the situation.
Pharmacists must take particular precautions when referring to themselves in both public and private documentation. Pharmacists must be equally careful to ensure that their staff and/or colleagues do not refer to them as “Doctor Doe” in patients’ presence or not.
- Ethical Considerations: Pharmacists must never mislead the public as to their qualifications. More specifically, pharmacists must not call themselves “Dr. Doe,” regardless of their qualifications, when they are providing health care services in Manitoba.
- Collaboration and Interprofessional Relationships: Pharmacists should work collaboratively with other healthcare professionals, recognizing and respecting the diverse roles and expertise within the healthcare team. Use of the title “doctor” by pharmacists with a PharmD degree in Manitoba is regulated by the Pharmaceutical Act and the RHPA. While pharmacists are entitled to use the title “doctor of pharmacy” to set out their academic qualifications associated with achieving a doctoral degree, in the course of providing health care services, it is crucial to exercise professionalism, transparency, and ethical judgment when communicating with patients and other healthcare professionals and be careful to represent their professional training appropriately.
By adhering to the guidelines provided and promoting clear and contextual communication, pharmacists can ensure responsible use of the title and maintain patient trust.
New Process for Winnipeg Police Service (WPS) Record Checks
To submit your criminal record and vulnerable sector checks to CPhM, kindly refer to the instructions outlined in the following document and follow the provided steps: Criminal Record Check Submission Steps.
Once these steps are complete, CPhM can access and download your Criminal Record and Vulnerable Sector Search results. You are not required to send a paper copy to the CPhM office if you obtain the checks through the WPS electronic Police Information Check online system (ePIC).
Accessing the Mandatory Continuing PD Webinar Indigenous Health
Please be advised that due to the CPhM data management system (DMS) upgrade process, mandatory professional development learning activity Webinar 1: Indigenous Health has temporarily been moved to the Accredited Learning Activities Page under the heading “Annual Mandatory Professional Development Learning Activity”. This will remain until the Pharmacy Professional and Pharmacy Portals are back online September 5, 2023.
Please note CPhM will not make updates to your online Professional Development (PD) Log. You must keep track of your learning activities until you are able to access your profile in September 2023. Once CPhM notifies all pharmacy professionals that the new DMS is available, pharmacists will have until November 30, 2023, to enter your learning activities into your PD Log for the 2024 licensing year.
COVID-19 Website Update
As the COVID-19 emergency deescalates, CPhM has taken the opportunity to update the information on its website. The COVID-19 link at the top of cphm.ca has been removed, and all COVID-19 information will now be stored in the Resource Library under the COVID-19 category.
Upcoming Events & Professional Development Opportunities
Managing Drug Shortages in Pediatric Patients
Can be claimed as 0.75 accredited CEU
Recording available here.
Opioid Agonist Therapy 101 Introduction to Clinical Practice
October 26 and 27, 2023
Click here to register and for more information.