Beginning this September, all community pharmacy managers in British Columbia will be required to complete the new B.C. Community Manager Training Program, designed to ensure pharmacy managers or pharmacists planning to become managers are equipped with the most up-to-date regulatory requirements.
The development of a community pharmacy manager training program was approved by the College of Pharmacists of BC in June 2017, based on a 2016 report from the College’s Inquiry Committee that demonstrated clear gaps and deficiencies between what was required at the community pharmacy level and what was actually delivered. The training tools were to be developed for the purpose of public protection and to be made mandatory this year.
On June 15, 2018, the College approved Professional Practice Policy (PPP)-69 (Community Pharmacy Manager Education) that requires all B.C. pharmacy managers to undertake mandatory training of their duties and obligations so that they understand all responsibilities of what the role involves.
The College approached the BC Pharmacy Association to develop a new training program for community pharmacy managers that would help guide pharmacy managers in their role. It is accredited for a total of four Continuing Education Units from the Canadian Council on Continuing Education in Pharmacy (CCCEP). The program, a self-paced, three-part course, includes the following:
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Part 1 reviews the College’s legislative requirements as it pertains to the community pharmacy manager’s role.
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Part 2 describes general fiduciary responsibilities and management skills.
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Part 3 discusses general workplace rights and B.C. employment standards.
The program launches online on Tuesday, July 17, 2018.