- National Day for Truth and Reconciliation
- Pnemococcal Vaccine Regulatory Change in Effect
- Important Advisory on Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients (APIs)
- Reminder: Upcoming Renewal Period and Mandatory Module Deadline
- CPhM Office Closure Notice
- Professional Development Opportunities & Upcoming Events
National Day for Truth and Reconciliation
September 30 marks the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, also known as Orange Shirt Day. This significant day provides an opportunity to reflect on the systemic racism and inequities faced by Indigenous Peoples, honouring the Survivors of residential schools and remembering the children who never returned home.
In Manitoba, Orange Shirt Day is a provincial statutory holiday, encouraging everyone to contemplate the lasting impacts of the residential school system. Wearing an orange shirt symbolizes solidarity with Indigenous communities and serves as a reminder that every child matters.
The College of Pharmacists of Manitoba (CPhM) urges pharmacy professionals to recognize the health impacts of trauma and structural inequities faced by Indigenous patients. Addressing these challenges involves supporting Indigenous-led, holistic, and culturally safe practices that empower thriving Indigenous communities.
CPhM is committed to enhancing regulatory frameworks with resources that address health inequities and promote the integration of Indigenous healing practices into pharmacy.
In recognition of this important day, CPhM highlights several educational resources:
- Canadian Society of Hospital Pharmacists (CSHP): Offers a list of resources, including a webinar on health disparities among First Nations, Métis, and Inuit populations.
- Indigenous Pharmacy Professionals of Canada (IPPC): Provides valuable resources for Indigenous pharmacy professionals and information on upcoming events.
- CPhM Professional Development: Mandatory programs for 2023 and 2024 explore Indigenous Peoples’ health, enabling pharmacy professionals to deliver culturally safe care.
Join CPhM in fostering an inclusive healthcare system by participating in educational events and signing the Truth and Reconciliation Pledge for Pharmacy Practice Representatives.
For more information and to read the full article, visit the CPhM website: https://cphm.ca/update/national-day-for-truth-and-reconciliation-supporting-indigenous-health-and-healing/
Pneumococcal Vaccine Regulatory Change in Effect
As of September 20, 2024, the Pharmaceutical Regulation (Manitoba Regulation 185/2013) has been amended to enable injection certified pharmacists to administer the new publicly funded pneumococcal vaccines (Schedule 2), and to update the definition of “hospital” (Section 1).
Prior to the amendment, the Regulation had referred specifically to the pneumococcal polysaccharide (Pneu-P-23) vaccine, which is no longer available for pharmacists to order or administer. The revised terminology ensures that pharmacists can administer all publicly funded pneumococcal vaccines currently available or that may become available in the future.
The updated Regulation can be found at the following link Pharmaceutical Regulation, M.R. 185/2013 (gov.mb.ca).
Important Advisory on Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients (APIs)
Pharmacies in Manitoba are advised to exercise caution when sourcing non-sterile active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs). Recent findings from Health Canada have highlighted compliance issues at establishments supplying APIs. The activities conducted are believed to be non-compliant with the Food and Drugs Act (FDA) as they did not adhere to Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) of the Food and Drug Regulations.
Compounding APIs into sterile preparations is a high-risk activity. Pharmacy professionals must comply with established compounding standards, including relevant sections of the Food and Drugs Act:
- Section 8: Prohibited sales of drugs
- Section 9: Deception regarding drugs
- Section 11: Unsanitary manufacture of drugs
Pharmacy professionals should use Health Canada’s Drug and Health Products Inspections Database to ensure that any suppliers considered have been inspected and received a compliant GMP rating. Pharmacy professionals are responsible for the preparations they compound, dispense, sell, or provide to patients. It is important to verify suppliers and obtain ingredients from only recognized sources, in accordance with NAPRA compounding standards.
Those who have purchased APIs from non-compliant establishments should take immediate action to remove these products from their inventory and follow appropriate protocols. Additionally, report any suspected health risks or compliance issues to Health Canada’s Regulatory Operations and Enforcement Branch at hc.hpce-cpsal.sc@canada.ca or toll free at 1-800-267-9675.
Reminder: Upcoming Renewal Period and Mandatory Module Deadline
The College of Pharmacists of Manitoba (CPhM) will open the renewal period for the 2025 Practice Year on Tuesday, October 1, 2024. CPhM would like to remind all pharmacy professionals to ensure your registrant profile is up to date to save time during the renewal process. For guidance on updating your profile, please refer to the September 13 Friday Five Article.
Pharmacists should complete the mandatory webinar prior to starting the licence renewal process. Once the renewal form is completed (approved and paid), learning activities cannot be added.
When you log into your Registrant Portal, you will see two announcement prompts, one of which will direct you to the Mandatory Modules.
Additionally, please remember that both pharmacists and pharmacy technicians are required to view this year’s mandatory webinar, Pharmacy Practice Integration of Indigenous Health Standards, by October 31, 2024.
Office Closure
Please be advised that the CPhM office will be closed on September 30 to observe the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation. The office will resume regular hours of operation, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., on Tuesday, October 1, 2024.
Professional Development Opportunities & Upcoming Events
Manitoba Health Fall Respiratory Illness Campaign Webinar with Pharmacists Manitoba
Pharmacists who were unable to attend the town hall webinar on August 20, 2024, can view the recording by clicking here. Please note that this is an unaccredited learning activity.
2SLGBTQ+ Professional Development:
- CPhA’s Resource Round-up: 2SLGBTQI+ patient health
- Pharmacy Perspective: Providing Safe Spaces Podcast – Affirming Ways People Self-Identify, offered by USask Continuing Pharmacy Education and the Alberta College of Pharmacy
- USask EDI Continuing Education Resources – 2SLGBTQIA+
Targeting Social Isolation Together E-Modules
To register for the self-paced e-modules and for further information click here.
This learning activity provides information on the health impacts of social isolation and loneliness.
The e-module and Quiz take about 45-60 minutes to complete, and participants obtain a statement of completion.
- 2.0 accredited CEU
Medical Examiner PD Webinar – Engaging Patients with Care: Tapering, Brief Interventions, and Substance Use Insights
- Click here to view the live event recording
- 1.5 accredited CEU
- Click here to complete the Learning Activity Evaluation Form
Lessons from Complaints: A Series on Injection-Related Best Practices Part 1: Best Practices Review for Pharmacists & Part 2: Trends in Injection-Related Complaints
- Click here and here to view the recordings.
- Each is 0.75 accredited CEU
- Click here to complete the Learning Activity Evaluation Form
Managing Drug Shortages in Pediatric Patients