Public Health Order Compliance
*Adapted with permission from the College of Registered Nurses of Manitoba’s public statement on compliance with public health orders.
The COVID-19 pandemic has placed unprecedented pressure on the healthcare system and pharmacy professionals have provided unparalleled access for patients and the public during this time. Public health measures continue to evolve in step with new scientific evidence on the mitigation of the COVID-19 pandemic. It is critical that pharmacists understand their professional obligations to adhere to Public Health Orders and refrain from making public statements contrary to prevailing scientific evidence and public health measures.
Pharmacists are expected to practice in accordance with applicable competencies, federal and provincial legislation, practice directions, and the Code of Ethics. This includes expectations to
- Apply legal requirements to practice, including federal and provincial/territorial legislation, policies, by-laws, and standards [1];
- Apply federal and provincial/territorial workplace, occupational health and safety, and other related legislation to the practice setting [1];
- Respect the autonomy, values and dignity of each patient [2];
- Hold the health and safety of each patient to be of primary consideration [2]; and
- Act with honesty and integrity [2].
Speaking in Public Forums Including Social Media
Because pharmacists hold a position of leadership and trust within the health system and the community, any statements pharmacists make in public forums or on social media have the potential to influence the public and be taken as an expression of professional views or advice.
The College strongly encourages all pharmacists to reflect on these and all related professional obligations (including any applicable workplace policies) before engaging in a public forum, and to avoid expressing views that are not supported by evidence such as anti-masking or anti-vaccine viewpoints, or recommending unapproved treatments for COVID-19.
Social media posts that share inaccurate or outdated information about COVID-19 or the provincial vaccine campaign can spread misinformation and cause frustration for already stressed or fatigued Manitobans. If you decide to post about COVID-19 or the vaccine campaign, please consider the following tips:
- Provide only timely information on eligibility or access with links to the most up-to-date provincial information such as https://protectmb.ca/ or https://www.gov.mb.ca/covid19/index.html. Avoid posting eligibility or supply information directly in your posts as it can quickly become outdated.
- Promote vaccine awareness and competence by using sample posts or resources from credible sources such as the Government of Canada or CANVAX.
- Review links and information that you are re-posting from other sources to ensure those sources of information are accurate and credible.
Complying with Public Health Orders
All pharmacists are expected to observe and comply with all applicable Public Health Orders as set forth by the Chief Provincial Public Health Officer, including but not limited to, masking requirements, self-isolation requirements, and vaccination/testing requirements for designated persons.
The latest Public Health Orders can be found at the following link:
https://www.gov.mb.ca/covid19/prs/orders/index.html
If you are unsure if your facility falls under the Order Requiring Vaccination or Testing for Designated Persons, please contact your employer to confirm vaccination and testing requirements.
Patients and members of the public who have concerns about a pharmacist’s conduct have a right to enquire about company or facility policies on COVID-19. They also have a right to make a complaint to the College or to the Health Protection Unit if they feel a pharmacist or other pharmacy employee is violating public health orders.
As with all concerns brought forward to the College, from members of the public, other governing agencies or employers, or from colleagues in healthcare, instances of noncompliance with Public Health Orders will be reviewed, and may be subject to investigation, with the registrant being held accountable for their conduct as outlined by the Pharmaceutical Act.
[1] Professional Competencies for Canadian Pharmacists at Entry to Practice section 1.1.1 and 1.1.2
[2] Code of Ethics
Lessons from Complaints: Navigating Mental Health and Addiction
Save the date for the upcoming virtual professional development event — Lessons from Complaints Navigating Mental Health and Addiction on October 27, 2021.
The additional pressure and stress placed on healthcare professionals as a result of the pandemic are tremendous. Pharmacists are faced with ambiguity and uncertainty with constant change and the realities of front-line practice. These stressors can result in a new or exacerbation of a mental health or addiction concerns.
This professional development program will open the dialogue for consideration of mental health and addiction concerns for pharmacy staff. Learn how to approach concerns for yourself and your colleagues, understand risk assessment, and the process by which the Complaints Committee monitors registrants embarking on a gradual return to practice.
Hear the personal experience of Dr. Michael Loudon, MB.Ch.B, and gain confidence in your role in supporting one another in health and upholding your professional obligations as a licensed healthcare professional.
WHEN: October 27, 2021, from 7:00 to 9:00 pm.
REGISTRATION LINK: https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_HBgbzuZ9SaGr_JZQJrkKMA
- This a virtual event ONLY, and is free to attend for pharmacists and pharmacy staff
- Deadline to register is October 26, 2021, at 4:30 p.m.
ACCREDITATION: Accreditation pending.
SPEAKERS:
- Dr. Michael Loudon, MB.Ch.B, Medical Director, Teulon Medical Clinic, former Physician Lead with Physicians at Risk
- Dr. Brent M. Booker, B.Sc. (Pharm.), Pharm.D., Assistant Registrar – Review and Resolution, CPhM
Canadian Patient Safety Week
The theme of Canadian Patient Safety Week 2021 is Who knows? Essential Care Partners do. In response to COVID-19, many health and care facilities across the country implemented blanket visitor restrictions that prohibited essential care partners from being physically present as partners in care. As facilities across the country respond to increasing case counts, there’s an opportunity to safely re-integrate essential care partners.
Canadian Patient Safety Week runs from October 25 to 29, 2021. The Canadian Patient Safety Institute is offering a number of valuable resources and activities to keep you engaged for this year’s event:
- Essential Together Learning Bundles: Rapid Appeals Processes — A list of curated tools and resources from organizations across the country that support the reintegration of essential care partners.
- Communications Tool Kit — A communications toolkit with materials and ideas to participate in the campaign.
- CPSW Webinar — Register for the webinar to join the conversation.
The College looks forward to celebrating Canadian Patient Safety Week with all registrants and stakeholders. Remember to sign up for updates on Canadian Patient Safety Week here.
National Pharmacy Technician Day
The Canadian Association of Pharmacy Technicians (CAPT) would like to recognize pharmacy technicians by proclaiming a National Pharmacy Technician Day on the third Tuesday of October of each year.
On October 19, 2021, the College encourages you to take a moment to recognize the pharmacy technicians, and those in training, who are valuable members of your pharmacy team and to help raise public awareness of their role as an integral part of patient healthcare.
Please visit CAPT website for more information on the ways you can take part in the celebrations.
Upcoming Events & Professional Development Opportunities
Lessons from Complaints: Navigating Mental Health and Addiction
Wednesday, October 27
Register here.
2021 Interdisciplinary Pain Education Day: Virtual Conference
Friday, October 22, 2021
Register here.
ISMP Medications Safety Considerations for Compliance Packaging E-learning Module
Complete the module here.
Community Connectors Workshops
For a list of accredited workshops and dates, click here.