Being part of the BC Pharmacy Association means being part of a strong, united voice for more than 3,200 pharmacists and more than 900 pharmacies, and there’s power in those numbers. The Association works hard to represent its members’ interests with government and other stakeholders, advocating for pharmacists’ professional role and economic viability.
For the past several years, the BCPhA has taken on the detailed work of reviewing changes to the Health Professions Act (HPA) and Pharmacy Operations and Drug Scheduling Act (PODSA) bylaws and submitting feedback to address member concerns. In April 2016, amendments to PODSA via Bill 6 were passed by government, and included changes suggested by the Association. Sometimes these wins seem small, but they give members a crucial voice with both government and the College of Pharmacists of BC.
At its September 2015 meeting, the BCPhA Board approved a motion to create a Schedule II and III Drug Schedule Working Committee to review and make recommendations/suggested changes to the College of Pharmacists of BC drug scheduling. The committee published its final report in February 2016. And in July, the BCPhA also made a submission to the College of Pharmacists of BC on its Certified Pharmacist Prescriber Initiative Draft Framework.
The Association will continue to advocate for members when issues arise and be the united voice to provide pharmacy input into changes that impact your business and practice.