Pharmacy inspectors and investigators are essential to maintaining the standards in Manitoba’s healthcare system, ensuring that pharmacy professionals and pharmacies comply with regulations designed to protect public health. To further enhance transparency and trust during visits, CPhM has introduced new ID badges for inspectors and investigators. These badges, now required to be prominently displayed during all visits, identifies that the individual is a CPhM staff member or contract investigator and underscores the professionalism and integrity of the inspection process.
Each badge features a professional headshot of the inspector or investigator, their full name, and the CPhM logo.
The introduction of ID badges goes beyond enhancing security, this initiative also reinforces accountability. When inspectors and investigators wear their badges, they visibly connect to their role as CPhM representatives, reinforcing their commitment to ethical standards.
This initiative benefits the pharmacies being inspected and the broader regulatory system, Pharmacists and pharmacy staff can now feel more confident in the inspection process, knowing it is being conducted by qualified and authorized CPhM staff. This assurance is important in an industry where compliance is not only a legal obligation but also vital for patient safety.
ID Badge Questions
- Will you post a picture of the ID badge? How do I know if the ID badge is legitimate?
- For safety and security reasons, we won’t be posting pictures of the ID badges. However, each badge includes a professional headshot of the inspector or investigator, their full name, and the official CPhM logo. If you have any doubts about the legitimacy of an ID badge during a visit, you can contact CPhM directly for verification.
- The investigator/inspector is not wearing an ID badge but says they are from the College of Pharmacists of Manitoba. How do I know they are telling the truth?
- All CPhM inspectors and investigators are required to wear their ID badges during site inspections for easy identification. If an inspector or investigator does not have their ID badge, they should not proceed with the inspection. Pharmacies are encouraged to contact CPhM directly if there are any concerns about the legitimacy of an inspector.
- How does the ID badge protect the safety of pharmacies?
- The ID badge enhances the safety of pharmacies by ensuring that only authorized CPhM inspectors and investigators are conducting site visits. By requiring inspectors to display their badges, pharmacies can easily verify the legitimacy of the inspection, reducing the risk of unauthorized access. This added layer of security helps maintain a safe and trustworthy environment for pharmacy staff and the public.
- Can pharmacies refuse an inspection if the investigator DOES NOT have an ID badge?
- Yes, pharmacies can refuse an inspection if the investigator does not have an ID badge. The badge is a mandatory requirement for all CPhM inspectors and investigators, serving as official proof of their authority. If an investigator cannot present their ID badge, the pharmacy has the right to deny the inspection and should immediately contact CPhM to verify the situation.
- Can I refuse an inspection if the investigator DOES have an ID badge with them?
- No. Under Section 33 of The Pharmaceutical Act failure to produce records or denial of entry is grounds for complaint. 33(10) Failure by an investigated person, member, former member, owner, former owner, intern, former intern, student or former student to (a) produce to an investigator any records, documents or things in his or her possession or under his or her control; or (b) give an investigator access to a pharmacy or any other business premises under his or her control; is, in itself, grounds for a complaint or further complaint against the person, and must be reported by the investigator to the complaints committee.
- Will inspectors need to show their ID badges at every visit?
- Yes, inspectors are required to present their ID badges at each visit. This ensures that pharmacy staff can easily verify the inspector’s identity and authority, promoting transparency and trust during the inspection process. Displaying the badge at every visit is a standard practice to uphold the integrity and professionalism of the inspection.