Continued Care Prescriptions
Continued care prescriptions offer a way for pharmacists to provide a refill of medication, in certain situations, past the quantity prescribed on the prescription. Continued care prescriptions may be authorized provided that:
a) the patient has a continuing need or a chronic condition which is considered stable;
b) the prescribing practitioner has died or retired within the previous six months or the prescribing practitioner has not responded to a refill authorization request and it would be onerous or impossible for the patient to contact or attend the original practitioner issuing the prescription in a timely manner;
c) the patient’s history with the prescribed drug has not changed;
d) the patient does not appear to be using continuing care refills to avoid obtaining ongoing medical care;
e) the patient has not experienced any adverse reactions to the medication that would indicate that the prescription should not be refilled; and
f) the prescription was previously filled by the same pharmacy.
A pharmacist who authorizes a continued care prescription must promptly notify the original practitioner who issued the prescription unless the practitioner has died or retired. Continued care prescriptions are a type of pharmacist prescribing and therefore the pharmacist must keep the records noting the pharmacist that authorized the refill and the other prescription records required by Part 9 of the Pharmaceutical Regulation.
For clarity on the quantity that a pharmacist may authorize, a pharmacist cannot authorize a refill quantity which is larger than the original prescribed refill amount. While pharmacists may authorize a quantity up to the original prescribed refill amount, they must use their professional judgement to evaluate each situation and determine whether a smaller quantity would be more appropriate. A pharmacist cannot place refills on the continued care prescription.
- A benzodiazepine cannot be renewed through continued care unless the drug is used to manage a convulsive disorder or if there is a risk of a seizure due to sudden withdrawal of the medication. Drugs covered under The Controlled Drugs and Substances Act also cannot be renewed as a continued care prescription.
Facsimile Transmission of Prescriptions
Pharmacists are reminded that prescriptions received by facsimile transmission need to meet the requirements set out in the Facsimile Transmission of Prescriptions Joint Statement. Pharmacists must ensure that faxed prescriptions satisfy all requirements outlined in the Joint Statement, including but not limited to, the signed certification under section 5(l) and they must verify:
- the origin of the transmission,
- the authenticity of the prescriptions and,
- if not known to the pharmacist, the signature of the prescribing practitioner.
When prescriptions are missing any of the required content, or the authenticity of the prescription is in question, the pharmacist must contact the prescriber to verify the prescription and/or to obtain the missing information.
Please note: At this time, the exemption that allows for prescriptions for M3P drugs to be faxed directly from the prescriber to the pharmacy is still in place.
Engaging Patients for Patient Safety: A Call to Action for World Patient Safety Day 2023
World Patient Safety Day 2023 marks a crucial moment for healthcare professionals, including all members of your pharmacy’s team, to reaffirm their dedication to patient safety. This year’s theme, “Engaging Patients for Patient Safety,” presents an opportunity for pharmacy professionals to explore strategies that enhance pharmacy practice, reduce potential harm, and equip patients with knowledge and resources to safeguard their health.
This week’s Safey IQ Academy blog post delves into the ways patient engagement strategies can enhance care and empower patients. It highlights three key resources to empower patients during counseling, including tools that facilitate meaningful patient interactions, improve health literacy, and encourage active patient involvement.
Recognizing the role of patients as the common thread in healthcare, the post emphasizes the importance of empowering patients with knowledge and resources to ensure their safety throughout their healthcare journey.
Read the full blog post here: https://safetyiq.academy/engaging-patients-for-patient-safety-a-call-to-action-for-world-patient-safety-day-2023/patient-engagement/
Recruitment Posting – Director for the NAPRA Board of Directors
The National Association of Pharmacy Regulatory Authorities (NAPRA) is currently seeking to recruit a qualified pharmacy technician with expertise in the Canadian healthcare system to serve as a Director on the Board along with up to three additional Directors offering diverse perspectives. They play a crucial role in providing guidance and strategic leadership, while day-to-day operations are managed by NAPRA’s Executive Director.
The Board of Directors is comprised of representatives from Canadian pharmacy regulatory authorities, The Director’s responsibilities include active participation in Board meetings, offering strategic insights, and upholding NAPRA’s mission. They play a crucial role in providing guidance and strategic leadership, while day-to-day operations are managed by NAPRA’s Executive Director.
This opportunity allows pharmacy technicians to play a vital role in pharmacy regulation and contribute to NAPRA’s mission of protecting the public. Your involvement in this governance position can make a significant impact on the Canadian pharmacy landscape.
For more information and instructions on how to apply, please visit the following NAPRA page: https://www.napra.ca/recruitment-posting-director-for-the-napra-board-of-directors/
The deadline for applications is October 13, 2023.
Upcoming Events & Professional Development Opportunities
Targeting Social Isolation Together E-Modules
Can be claimed as 2.0 accredited CEUs
Click here to sign up and for more information.
Pharmacists Manitoba Virtual Fall Conference
October 15, 2023
Click here to register and for more information.
Managing Drug Shortages in Pediatric Patients
Can be claimed as 0.75 accredited CEUs
Click here to view the recording.
Opioid Agonist Therapy 101 Introduction to Clinical Practice
October 26 and 27, 2023
Click here to register and for more information.