- Censure Publication
- Advancing Equity in Pharmacy: Mandatory Learning Activity for 2025
- CPhM Enhances Governance and Regulatory Practices: Key Updates in December 2024
- Nicotine Replacement Therapies Reminder
- Reminder: Manitoba’s Biosimilars Initiative
- Professional Development Opportunities & Upcoming Events
Censure Publication
The Complaints Committee (Committee) has decided to, on a case-by-case basis, consider the publication of censures issued to registrants. Depending on the circumstances, the publication may include the registrant’s name or be de-identified. Published censures will appear on the CPhM website and in quarterly newsletters.
Authority for the Committee to issue a censure is established in The Pharmaceutical Act (Act), (Section 34(1)(d)). Further, Section 36(2) of the Act, provides the Committee the authority, should they choose, to publish that a registrant has been censured, and that publication may include the registrant’s name and a description of the circumstances that led to the censure.
Historically, the Committee has not published censures. However, there have been noted cases in the past that the Committee believes would have provided several benefits if the censure was published:
- Enhanced transparency regarding CPhM’s regulatory function in protecting the public interest
- Serve as an educational tool, communicating professional obligations and expectations for safer pharmacy practice
- Communicate to the profession when concerning practice issues or trends are identified
- Hold the censured registrant accountable.
A censure is a written warning, intended to be educational and advisory. A censure is not a finding of professional misconduct and is not meant to be punitive; instead, it is remedial, impressing upon the registrant the conduct that has potential to put the public at risk. By accepting a censure, the registrant accepts accountability and responsibility for their actions that may have placed the public at risk and acknowledges that their practice needs change. The censure may include specific practice change requirements and education recommended by the Committee. If a censure is the decision outcome of the Committee, the registrant must agree to accept the censure, demonstrating their accountability, responsibility, remorse and willingness to learn and correct their actions. It is intended as a learning and educational opportunity for the registrant who is willing to accept accountability. If the registrant does not accept the censure, and in effect responsibility for their actions, the Committee may impose an alternate decision outcome in accordance with section 34(1) of the Act.
Under section 36(2) of the Act, the Committee has the authority to publish a censure, if it so chooses, including the registrant’s name and details of the circumstances. It is important to note that certain other decision outcomes pertaining to professional conduct, such as disciplinary decisions, must be published, as per the Act.
Publication of censures and disciplinary outcomes demonstrate CPhM’s transparency and accountability to the public, serve as education to the profession, and hold the registrant accountable.
Advancing Equity in Pharmacy: Mandatory Learning Activity for 2025
Registration is now open for the upcoming mandatory professional development activity for 2025: Advancing Equity in Pharmacy: Supporting Gender Diversity and 2SLGBTQ+ Patients. This webinar, developed in partnership with the Rainbow Resource Centre, will provide pharmacy professionals with essential knowledge and skills to create inclusive, equitable environments for patients and colleagues.
When: Wednesday, February 5, 2025, 6:00 p.m.
Where: Live webinar (recording available on the Registrant Portal for those unable to attend)
Presenter: Rainbow Resource Centre
Click here to register: https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/2217359165529/WN_7YumT77QSg2OylscfqS4Jw
Learning Objectives for Participants:
- Understand the distinctions between sex assigned at birth, gender identity, gender expression, attraction, and cultural identities.
- Recognize systems of oppression and the unique challenges faced by gender-diverse individuals.
- Develop practical skills and communication strategies for interacting with 2SLGBTQ+ patients and colleagues.
- Learn how to implement inclusive policies and practices in pharmacy settings.
CPhM Enhances Governance and Regulatory Practices: Key Updates in December 2024
In recent months, the College of Pharmacists of Manitoba (CPhM) has made significant strides in modernizing its governance and regulatory framework. These changes are designed to enhance transparency, promote inclusivity, and align CPhM’s practices with broader trends across Canada to update the terminology used by regulatory bodies.
At the beginning of December, CPhM replaced the term “self-regulation” with “professional regulation.” This shift aligns with national trends and underscores the importance of public participation in the regulatory process. By adopting the term “professional regulation,” CPhM emphasizes the equal contributions that both public representatives and pharmacy professionals provide in the governance of the pharmacy professions in the public’s best interest.
In mid-December, CPhM introduced a new purpose statement and guiding principles, replacing the previous mission, vision, and values. These updates emphasize person-centered, evidence-informed, and culturally sensitive care, with a strong focus on anti-racism, cultural safety, and ensuring that regulatory decisions reflect the public interest. Additionally, the College updated its land acknowledgment, reflecting on our responsibility to foster culturally responsive practices in pharmacy regulation and our dedication to continually learn and listen to Indigenous voices, ensuring we adapt and grow in our approach to regulating.
These updates reflect CPhM’s ongoing efforts to enhance its governance and regulatory practices, ensuring that CPhM remains responsive to the evolving responsibilities to regulate in the public interest.
To learn more about these changes, visit:
- Professional Regulation Webpage Updates: https://cphm.ca/friday-five/friday-five-december-6-2024/
- CPhM’s Updated Land Acknowledgement, Purpose Statement, and Guiding Principles: https://cphm.ca/friday-five/friday-five-december-20-2024/
Nicotine Replacement Therapies Reminder
As a reminder, to help reduce potential risks to youth from nicotine replacement therapies (NRTs), Health Canada has implemented regulations that affect pharmacies and pharmacy professionals.
NRTs in newer formats that are not listed (such as nicotine pouches or rapid-dissolving tablets) for self-selection by Health Canada can only be sold by a pharmacist or someone working under the direct supervision of a pharmacist. Additionally, these products must be mint and/or menthol flavours, sold in an area of the pharmacy that is not accessible for self-selection, and require the pharmacist’s approval before purchase. Online sales of these products must also include pharmacist verification.
Pharmacies and retailers can still sell NRTs in the dosage forms on the aforementioned self-selection list, and the public can continue to access these products as appropriate. Healthcare professionals, clinics, and hospitals can continue to provide NRTs to patients in clinical settings.
For further details, please visit the Government of Canada’s website.
Any inquiries regarding the new NRT regulations can be directed to Health Canada at nnhpd.consultation-dpsnso@hc-sc.gc.ca.
Reminder: Manitoba’s Biosimilars Initiative
Manitoba Health, Seniors, and Long-term Care would like to remind pharmacy professionals that the first transition period for Manitoba’s Biosimilars Initiative will end January 31, 2025.
Clients are required to transition to a biosimilar version of their biologic medication by January 31, 2025, in order to maintain Pharmacare or another provincial drug plan coverage.
A complete list of products included in the Biosimilars Initiative, as well as patient and prescriber resources, can be found here: Manitoba Biosimilars Initiative | Health | Province of Manitoba
Prescribers have reported receiving requests from pharmacies to convert prescriptions for Humalog Mix 25 and NovoMix 30 to other insulins such as Admelog and Trurapi. Pre-mixed insulin products are not included in the Manitoba Biosimilars Initiative at this time and these products continue to be Part 1 benefits on the Manitoba Drug Benefits Formulary.
Each insulin manufacturer has specific reusable insulin pen(s) that are compatible with their insulin product(s). Insulin pen compatibility and administration technique should be reviewed with your clients if they are transitioning to a biosimilar. Please contact insulin manufacturers for further information on insulin pen compatibility.
Pharmacists may also wish to refer to the following resources from MedSask:
Professional Development Opportunities & Upcoming Events
Information Session for International Pharmacy Graduates hosted by the Pharmacy Examining Board of Canada (PEBC)
February 5, 2025, from 1:30-3:30 EST
Click here to register and for more information. Please note that this is a non-accredited learning activity.