The Apothecary

71 Pages·2009·2.67 MB·English

by  Melanie Healey

The Apothecary
Newfoundland and
Labrador Pharmacy Board Spring 2009
Continuing Professional Development Standards of
The Apothecary is the
newsletter of the Pharmacy Practice Now Approved for Circulation
Newfoundland &
Labrador Pharmacy As communicated in a recent Memo to This opens up new opportunities as well
Board. It contains Pharmacists, the final draft of the revised as enhancing the pharmacist’s learning
important regulatory Standards of Pharmacy Practice— experience.
information that all Continuing Professional Development has
As a result of feedback from
pharmacists in the now been approved by the Board for
pharmacists, both of the primary
province of circulation. (See www.nlpb.ca/spg.html
Continuing Professional Development
Newfoundland &
for the complete revised document.)
forms have been updated:
Labrador are expected
Changes pharmacists should be aware of
to be aware of. The Learning Portfolio Record
include:
Pharmacists are Sheet was updated to remove the
responsible for The Standard no longer permits the word “source” and to streamline the
ALL INFORMATION carry-over of CEUs from one year to form.
contained within the next. However, pharmacists are
The Professional Development Log
including documents
permitted to claim CEUs for programs
has been revised to eliminate the
which are made
completed in December of one year in
need for pharmacists to transfer the
available on the NLPB
the following calendar year, as long as
key learning ideas from the
website via links
they were not used to fulfill the
throughout the Learning Portfolio Record Sheets
minimum professional development
newsletter. over to the Professional
requirement in that previous year.
The Apothecary is now Development Log.
Pharmacists who claim such programs
circulated electronically
Pharmacists are strongly encouraged to
and is available in hard will be expected to submit both year’s
make every effort to use these new forms.
copy format only upon Professional Development Logs.
Both forms are available at
specific request.
Due to the confusion surrounding the
www.nlpb.ca/cpd.html in two versions—
word “source”, the committee has
one (pdf) for printing and completing by
Linked in this issue... removed the requirement to complete hand and one (MSWord) for saving and
programs from more than one source.
completing electronically before printing.
Standards of Pharmacy
Pharmacists are still encouraged to use
Practice—Continuing These Standards of Pharmacy Practice
Professional Development multiple delivery formats and
take effect immediately. Any questions or
Continuing Professional providers to fulfill their professional
clarification should be directed to the
Development forms
development requirements each year.
Board office.
Registration as a Pharmacy
Student
Change of Employment Form Are your pharmacy students registered?
Report of Loss or Theft of
Pharmacy students who intend to work in ANY capacity in a pharmacy in Newfoundland
Narcotics Form
and Labrador must first be registered with the NLPB and shall not identify themselves as
NLPB Strategic Plan 2009-
2011 anything other than a “Pharmacy Student”. For more information, see the NLPB Policy—
NAPRA Notes—February Registration as a Pharmacy Student, available at www.nlpb.ca/reg_&_lic.html
2009
Page 2 The Apothecary
Complaints and Discipline Resolution
Case #1 physician for injection. She that “Take/Use as directed” is
The Complaints Authorization indicated that “Even though the Rx NOT generally acceptable with
Committee considered an was refilled early, it was unknown Rx’s for injections to be
allegation from a specialist to the pharmacist that the patient administered by the physician in
physician regarding a prescription was going to his Dr. each month for his clinic when specific directions
written for Lupron 22.5mg, to be his injection.” She indicated that have been indicated on the
injected IM every 3 months for one both she and another pharmacist at prescription, and particularly
year. It was alleged that the the pharmacy had refilled the when the physician administering
prescription had been improperly prescription at various times. the injection is not the physician
labelled at the pharmacy with The response also indicated that who ordered the prescription. The
instructions “Use as directed”; that the original dispensing pharmacist original dispensing pharmacist
the patient had been receiving had indicated to the prescribing should not have permitted the
monthly injections of the drug; and specialist, when discussing this instructions “Use as directed” to
that the prescription had been incident after the error had been have been used in recording the
refilled monthly without the error discovered, that “we were refilling prescription;
being questioned by the the Rx as requested by the patient that the pharmacists who
pharmacist. The error was and we have no control over what authorized the refills should have
apparently detected when a the patient does with that Rx once questioned the requests for
request for renewal of the it leaves the store” and that the monthly refills of the prescription
prescription and clarification of family physician indicated…”he on three different occasions,
dosage was sent to the specialist was under the impression from the particularly since the pharmacy’s
from the pharmacy since the refills patient that he was supposed to computer system indicated that
were depleted and the patient get the injection each month” and the amount being dispensed
said he was supposed to get this that the prescribing specialist “had represented 90 days supply and
injection every month. not in the following three months that the requested refill was
The response from the pharmacist- sent any follow up letters to between 55 - 63 days early in
in-charge indicated that the indicate otherwise.” each case;
original prescription had been that there was no evidence
Decision of the panel:
labelled by the pharmacy assistant provided that any of the
The panel decided that there were
as “Use as directed”, “which is pharmacists had counseled the
reasonable grounds to believe that
generally acceptable with Rx’s for patient about the prescribed
each of the three pharmacists
injectables to be administered by dosage of the drug prescribed;
involved at some point with this
the physician in his clinic”, and also had ensured that administering
prescription had engaged in
indicated that the pharmacist who physician was aware of the
conduct deserving of sanction.
had checked the original dosage prescribed by the
The panel directed that the
prescription for accuracy was prescriber; or had questioned the
allegation be considered as
satisfied “especially since a 90 early refills or checked the
constituting a complaint and that
day interval was indicated on the original prescription to confirm
letters of caution be sent to each of
hard copy of the Rx”. the prescribed dosage;
the pharmacists involved.
The pharmacist-in-charge indicated that the statement attributed to
The panel directed that points that
that the patient returned for refills the dispensing pharmacist that
should be specifically noted in the
each month for three months and
letters of caution are:
took the drug to his local family (Continued on page 3)
Spring 2009 Page 3
(Continued from page 2) on the prescription label; that as a delivery logs, which are now
result of this error she went into kept for a minimum of 2 years,
“we were refilling the Rx as opioid withdrawal and required have been revised to show
requested by the patient and admission to hospital; that she had whether the prescription was
we have no control over what also been given heart medication delivered or picked up, and
the patient does with the Rx prescribed for another person; and Continued on page 4) whether the
once it leaves the store” is an that untrained technicians were delivery was a prescription or
inappropriate and involved with the filling of her OTC;
unacceptable standard of prescriptions. that all pharmacy staff have
pharmacy practice. There is an The response from the pharmacist- been trained in these
expectation that pharmacists in-charge indicated that one of the procedures and that a formal
will question early refills of contributing factors to the error policy and procedure manual is
prescriptions to determine the was that the prescribing physician being written.
reason for such requests, ensure had ordered a 5mg dosage. Since
Decision of the panel:
that the patient understands the the product only comes in 3mg and
The panel decided that there were
prescribed dosage of the 6mg strengths, both the 3mg and
reasonable grounds to believe that
medication, and determine if 6mg tablets had been kept on the
the respondent had engaged in
there are any reasons why the dispensary counter awaiting
conduct deserving of sanction.
medication is not being used as clarification of the dosage from the
The panel directed that the
prescribed and take prescribing physician.
allegation be considered as
appropriate steps where The pharmacist-in-charge’s
constituting a complaint and that a
possible to address such issues. response also spoke to the training
letter of caution be sent to the
obtained by assistants employed in
The panel directed that a report of Pharmacist-in-Charge.
the pharmacy, the checking
this complaint, on a no names basis, The panel directed that points that
procedures used at the pharmacy,
be included in the next edition of should be specifically noted in the
and the changes that have been
the Apothecary, so that ALL letter of caution are:
made since this incident occurred,
pharmacists are reminded by this that counselling and checking
including:
incident of their responsibilities with procedures at the pharmacy
a triple check is performed on
respect to labelling of (including documentation of such
every prescription;
prescriptions, properly counselling counselling and checking) needs
pharmacy assistants and the
patients on the proper use of the to be improved;
pharmacist sign-off on their
medication prescribed and that counselling must take place
involvement at each step of the
monitoring compliance with the use on every new prescription and
process,
of prescriptions. should take place on refills.
a way of identifying new
Checking the prescription bottle
prescriptions has been
Case #2 or package at the time of
implemented so that pharmacists
The Complaints Authorizations counselling is a very important
on duty will counsel the patient
Committee considered an step that every pharmacist
about these prescriptions;
allegation made by a patient should be doing to help prevent
when new prescriptions are
concerning a prescription for medication errors;
delivered, the required patient
Hydromorph Contin. It was alleged that a written policy and
counselling is done by
that Hydromorph Contin 3mg had
procedure for checking
telephone;
been dispensed instead of the 6mg
(Continued on page 4)
strength prescribed and indicated
Page 4 The Apothecary
(Continued from page 3) considered two similar letters of 2) subsection 17(1) of the
prescriptions that every allegation against Labrador Pharmacy Regulations, which
pharmacist at the pharmacy has PharmaChoice which were reads:
signed and implemented must forwarded to it by the Complaints 17. (1) A pharmacist shall not advertise,
be sent to the NLPB office for Authorization Committee. or permit a person to advertise on
review within 3 months of this The complaints alleged that Mr. behalf of a pharmacy which that
pharmacist operates, using information
notice; Brendan Mullins, the pharmacist-in-
that
that NLPB will provide the charge of Labrador PharmaChoice
(a) is false, misleading, fraudulent,
pharmacist-in-charge with in Happy Valley-Goose Bay had
deceptive, ambiguous or confusing,
information programs that are violated the Board’s Guidelines on
or likely to mislead or deceive the
available, including: Advertising in an “advertorial” that public due to partial disclosure of
NAPRA’s Ensuring Dispensing appeared in The Labradorian on relevant facts;
Accuracy and Minimizing November 26, 2007 announcing (b) is not relevant to the public’s
Medication Errors the opening of Labrador ability to make an informed choice;
NB Pharmaceutical Society’s PharmaChoice. It was alleged that (c) is not verifiable by facts
Medication Errors Prevention the ad included information that independent of personal feelings,
beliefs, opinions or interpretations;
and Reduction Guidelines was false and deceptive,
(d) makes comparisons either
Ontario College of defamatory and misleading. It
directly or indirectly with another
was also alleged that statements in
Pharmacists’ Preventing
pharmacy or pharmacist or would be
the ad were of personal opinion
Dispensing Errors and A reasonably regarded as suggestive
not verifiable by fact, deprecated
Pharmacist’s Accountability in of uniqueness or superiority over
another pharmacy and were likely
Response to a Dispensing another pharmacy or pharmacist; or
Error, and to demean the integrity or dignity (e) as a result of its content, method
a copy of the Summer 2006 of the profession or bring the or frequency of dissemination is such
profession into disrepute. as to be reasonably regarded by
Apothecary article (Institute
pharmacists as likely to demean the
for Safe Medication A hearing of an adjudication
integrity or dignity of the profession
Practices) tribunal of the disciplinary panel
or bring the profession into
was held to determine whether the
The panel directed that a report on disrepute.
conduct of Mr. Mullins in this matter
this complaint, on a no names basis,
constituted a violation of: 3) subsection 37(1)(c) of the
be included in the next edition of
Pharmacy Regulations, which
1) subsection 12(1)(b)(ii) of the
the Apothecary so that ALL
reads:
Pharmacy Regulations, which
pharmacists are reminded by this
37. (1) The term unprofessional conduct
reads:
incident of their responsibilities to or professional misconduct for the
12. (1) All pharmacists who are
review checking procedures, to purpose of consideration of a complaint
designated and named on a business
counsel patients on original and and the institution of disciplinary
licence as the pharmacist-in-charge of
repeat fillings of prescriptions, and proceedings includes but is not limited to
that pharmacy
to generally review policies and (b) shall be responsible for (c) breach of the Code of
Advertising as outlined in section 17
procedures in their pharmacy to (ii) prohibiting an owner or
of these regulations;
ensure error prevention as much as other person who is not a pharmacist
possible. from directing, influencing, controlling Decision of the disciplinary panel:
or participating in the management or The tribunal found Mr. Mullins
Case #3 operation of a pharmacy for which the failed to establish the defense of
pharmacist-in-charge is responsible
A hearing of an adjudication
under the Act and these regulations, (Continued on page 5)
tribunal of the Disciplinary Panel
Spring 2009 Page 5
(Continued from page 4) indicated that this had occurred follows:
without her knowledge or request.
A formal reprimand is to be
due diligence and was guilty of the
Mr. Lloyd Bennett, the pharmacist- entered on the files of Mr.
complaints and consequently guilty
in-charge of East End Pharmasave Bennett and Mr. Whalen.
of conduct worthy of sanction. At a
was notified of this allegation and Any prescriptions which had
subsequent hearing to determine
asked to respond. been improperly charged to the
sanctions the tribunal was
The CAC decided that there were patient’s account or billed to her
presented with a joint submission of
reasonable grounds to believe the insurer and which have not been
proposed sanctions which had been
respondent had engaged in repaid are to be reimbursed to
agreed to by Mr. Mullins and the
conduct deserving of sanction and the appropriate party, by the
Secretary-Registrar. The tribunal
that the allegation be considered a respondents or East End
accepted the proposed sanctions
and ordered as follows: complaint. The panel instructed the Pharmasave, immediately.
A formal reprimand is to be Secretary-Registrar to file the Both Mr. Bennett and Mr.
entered on Mr. Mullins’ file. complaint against the respondent Whalen must successfully
Mr. Mullins must attend at the and refer it to a hearing of the complete the Board’s
Office of the Pharmacy Board disciplinary panel. registration examination within
within 6 months of the Order of On further investigation it 3 months of the Order of the
the Adjudication Tribunal, at a appeared that some of the Adjudication Tribunal.
time to be set by the Secretary- prescriptions in question were filled There will be publication of a
Registrar; to review with the by Mr. Gerald Whalen and summary of the Decision and
Secretary-Registrar the Order of the Adjudication
therefore a Notice of Allegation
responsibilities of a Pharmacist- Tribunal, on a named basis, in
was forwarded to Mr. Whalen as
in-Charge, pursuant to the The Apothecary.
well. Subsequent to a second CAC
Pharmacy Act and Regulations. The costs of the investigation
meeting, this complaint was also
There will be publication of a referred to the Discipline Panel. and hearing of the complaints
summary of the Decision and will be paid on a 60/40% basis
Further investigation also
Order of the Adjudication by Mr. Bennett and Mr. Whalen
determined that a prescription
Tribunal, on a named basis, in respectively (Mr. Bennett being
appeared to be refilled and
The Apothecary.
the Pharmacist-in-Charge of
dispensed without a valid
That Mr. Mullins pay the costs of
East End Pharmasave), such costs
prescription for these refills.
the investigation and hearing of
to be paid within 60 days of
the complaint, set at $12,500 A hearing of an adjudication
the Order of the Adjudication
within 60 days of the Order of tribunal of the disciplinary panel
Tribunal, or such further time as
the Adjudication Tribunal. was held to consider sanctions
may be agreed by the
against Mr. Bennett and Mr.
Pharmacy Board.
Case #4 Whelan. At the hearing the
tribunal was presented with a joint
The Complaints Authorization
submission of proposed sanctions
Committee met to consider an
which had been agreed to by Mr.
allegation from a patient
Bennett, Mr. Whelan and the
regarding two instances where she
Secretary-Registrar.
had received notice that claims had
Decision of the disciplinary panel:
been processed through her health
insurance for prescriptions filled at The tribunal accepted the
East End Pharmasave. The patient proposed sanctions and ordered as
Page 6 The Apothecary
Newfoundland and Labrador Pharmacy Network Benefits Evaluations
In preparation for the launch of the Newfoundland recruit seniors over 65 years of age to participate in
and Labrador Pharmacy Network, the Centre for this study. The Centre for Health Information would like
Health Information has engaged in four benefits to take this opportunity to thank-you for your
evaluations to determine the impact of the Pharmacy cooperation in helping us meet our goal. We have now
Network on various aspects of medication use. These successfully finished recruitment for this study.
studies all have a pre/post study design and we are
Over the next two to three months, the Centre will be
happy to say that the first phase of this study is
completing the data collection portion of this study,
nearly complete.
which involves an in-home interview with the senior by a
Two studies focused on the rates of adverse drug registered pharmacist. The information is kept
events in the community by completing emergency confidential and the senior is assigned a study code.
room chart reviews in both the adult and pediatric During the interview, the pharmacists will ask some
population. The third study evaluated expected basic demographic questions and then take a complete
impact of the Pharmacy Network on prescription drug medication history. If the senior poses questions
abuse. These three studies are complete. The study regarding their medications during the interview, the
team is now preparing manuscripts for peer review pharmacists will provide any necessary counselling.
publications and preliminary findings will be shared
If you, or any of your customers, have any questions
at the upcoming PANL conference.
about the studies, please feel free to contact either
The fourth study examines the impact of the Pharmacy Jennifer Donnan ([email protected]; 752-
Network on appropriate use of medication among 6025) or Kayla Collins([email protected]; 752-
seniors. For those of you practicing in the St. John’s 6045) at the Centre for Health Information.
area, your assistance was requested in helping us
Retirement of Hugh O’Neil Conroy
Each year a number of pharmacists retire from practice and particularly notable is the retirement at the end of
2008 of Hugh O’Neil Conroy. Hugh Conroy was the longest practising pharmacist in the province, having been
initially licensed in 1944, and has retired after a distinguished career of 64 years as a practising pharmacist.
After serving a four year apprenticeship at McMurdo’s Drug Store in St. John’s he attended the Maritime School
of Pharmacy at Dalhousie University, graduating in 1946. After returning to the province from Halifax, besides
being a practising community pharmacist, he also took on the role of a pharmacy instructor in the apprenticeship
program conducted at that time by the Newfoundland Pharmacy Board. He served the profession in this capac-
ity from 1946 to 1966. (From 1957 to 1964, while he operated a pharmacy in Placentia, he commuted weekly
to St. John’s to hold pharmacy classes and participate as a member of the Council of the Nfld. Pharmaceutical
Association.)
Mr. Conroy was Registrar of the Newfoundland Pharmacy Board from 1952 to 1954 and was associated with
the preparation of the 1954 Pharmaceutical Association Act, which saw the merging of the Newfoundland Phar-
maceutical Society and the Newfoundland Pharmacy Board into the Newfoundland Pharmaceutical Association,
and with the 1970 revision of that Act. He was made an Honorary Life Member of the NPhA in 1992
“Life long learner” is an apt description of Hugh Conroy. He was notably always among the first to sign up
when continuing education programs were offered to the NPhA membership and he was a regular participant at
CE functions. After a long and distinguished career of service to the public and our profession we wish him a
well deserved retirement. He continues registration with our Board as an Honorary Non-practising Pharmacist.
Spring 2009 Page 7
Frequently-Asked Questions
Recently we had a question from a pharmacist 21. (2) An application for registration under subsection (1)
regarding whether or not a person registered as non- shall be approved where the applicant…
practicing is required to be a member of PANL and/or (b.1) provides proof that he or she has obtained professional
obtain the required amount of liability insurance. liability insurance coverage in a form and amount satisfactory
to the board;...
The requirement for pharmacists to be a member of
We would caution any pharmacist who registers as
“the association” (i.e. PANL) is found in section 18(3)
non-practicing of the following prohibitions in section
of the Pharmacy Act:
23(1) of the Pharmacy Act:
18. (3) It is a condition of the issuing of a certificate of
registration under this section that the person to whom the 23. (1) A person other than a pharmacist with a certificate
certificate is issued be a member of the association or within shall not
one month of the date of issuing the certificate become a (a) represent or hold himself or herself out as or as being
member of the association, and the failure of that person to entitled to use the title or designation of pharmacist;
comply with this condition makes the certificate void from
(b) carry on the practice of pharmacy in the province;
that date.
(c) conduct a business or operation for selling drugs except
The “certificate of registration” referred to is the
as expressly permitted under this Act; or
annual certificate that certifies that a pharmacist is
(d) hold himself or herself out, conduct himself or herself in a
eligible to practice pharmacy in our province.
manner or wear or use clothing or a sign, emblem, title or
Pharmacists who register with the Board as “non- advertisement which may reasonably lead the public to infer
practicing” are not issued this certificate; that he or she is registered as a pharmacist and qualified to
consequently they are not required to become practice pharmacy under this Act.
members of PANL. Therefore non-practicing pharmacists should not
Since “non-practicing” pharmacists are not issued this engage in any activity, or offer any pharmacy
certificate, they are not required to meet the advice, counselling or opinion that might be construed
provisions in section 21 of the Act, including the as “practicing pharmacy” or leave the public open to
requirement for professional liability insurance: improper pharmacy care, and themselves open to
potential liability.
New NLPB Employee—Professional Affairs Coordinator
Melanie Healey has recently joined the staff at the Melanie received her Bachelor of Science (Pharmacy)
NLPB as Professional Affairs Coordinator. This is a degree from MUN in 1996 and has worked in a
professional 2-year 4/5 time contractual position, variety of practice settings including community and
reporting to the Secretary-Registrar. academia as well as with the former Newfoundland
Pharmaceutical Association as Professional Relations
The primary role of Melanie’s position will be to
provide coordination and support to the activities of Assistant and Interim Executive Director (Advocacy
Board). Recently, she has been providing consultancy
the Board relating to professional practice, policy
and legislative issues including support of the services to both the NLPB and the NLCHI Pharmacy
Professional Practice and Legislative committees. Network project. Melanie also continues to practice in
the community as a relief pharmacist.
She will also be responsible for scanning the
Please feel free to contact Melanie to offer your
professional practice environment on a local, national
and international level to identify issues of importance comments or suggestions in these areas at (709) 753-
5877 or [email protected].
relating to professional practice and assisting the
Board in establishing priorities for action.
Page 8 The Apothecary
NLPB Strategic Plan 2009—2011
Following the December 2008 Newfoundland and Labrador Pharmacy Board
ALL changes in a Meeting, Board members and other invited stakeholders participated in a Strategic
pharmacist’s Planning session, facilitated by Lynn Morrissey, with the goal of setting the priorities
employment MUST be for the Board for the next 3 years. A wide variety of issues were identified including
reported to the NLPB those relating to the Pharmacy Network, the regulation of Technicians and the pursuit
Office AT LEAST 7 days of Medication Management Authority for pharmacists. The complete document is
before the change is to available to all pharmacists on our website at www.nlpb.ca/about_us.html (under
take place, using the Board Documents). A summary by timeline is given below.
appropriate form
IMMEDIATE THREE YEARS
(available at
1.4 Develop Standards of Practice for 1.3 Raise Awareness of Pharmacists &
www.nlpb.ca/
Pharmacy Network the Public on Patient Safety Issues
forms.html) and
including the 1.5 Identify Mandate (Structure and 3.3 Develop and Implement an
appropriate fee. Responsibilities) of Professional Evaluation Process for the Board
 Practice Committee 5.4 Evaluate the Outcomes of the
As NLPB mailings are 2.1 Communicate and Consult with Continuing Professional
now being done almost Pharmacists Regarding Changes Development Process
entirely electronically, Impacting the Profession
pharmacists are 3.1 Develop and Implement an ONGOING
responsible for ensuring Evaluation Process for the Office
2.2 Promote Pharmacists' Involvement
that the NLPB Office has 5.2 Develop and Implement a Process in Board and NLPB Committees
their CORRECT E-MAIL to Make the Public(s) Aware of the
4.1 Liaise and Interact with
ADDRESS on file at all Impact of Regulatory Changes
Government and Regional Health
times.
5.3 Review the Revised Standard of Authorities to Ensure the

Practice Involvement of the Board in all
Pharmacists-in-charge Relevant Health Issues
are reminded that any ONE YEAR 4.2 Collaborate with Other Provincial
loss or theft of narcotics,
1.1 Define the Role of Pharmacy Regulatory Authorities, Advocacy
controlled drugs,
Technicians Groups, Education Institutions and
targeted substances
Student Organizations
3.2 Develop and Implement an
and/or precursors MUST
Evaluation Process for the Board 4.3 Ensure a Process of Adequate and
be reported within 10
Committees Timely Communication Regarding
days using the
4.5 Liaise with Key Stakeholders in Public Health Issues
appropriate Health
Pharmacy Profession to Facilitate 4.4 Endorse and Promote Research
Canada form (available
Dialogue on Common Language Activities to Enhance Practice and
at www.nlpb.ca/
forms.html). One copy Policy
of this form should be ONE - THREE YEARS 5.1 Revise Governing Documents as
Required to Reflect Changes in
kept at the pharmacy, 1.2 Define and Pursue Medication
Pharmacy Practice (e.g. Act &
one sent to the NLPB Management Authority
Regulations, Standards of Practice,
Office and one sent to

By-Laws)
Health Canada.
Spring 2009 Page 9
Service Desk: Ready to Assist You
During deployment of the Newfoundland The Service Desk can be contacted for
and Labrador Pharmacy Network to assistance to:
community pharmacies in the coming Obtain general support for the Phar-
months, pharmacists will have support macy Network and the Electronic
through the Centre for Health Informa- Health Record
tion’s Service Desk. The Service Desk is Report any Pharmacy Network con-
already up and running, providing tech- nectivity issues
nical and service support to individuals
Add providers that are not in the Pro-
using the Client Registry, Health Informa- “The Service Desk
vider Registry or update existing re-
tion Network (HIN), and to answer ques- cords. For example, adding an out of is already up and
tions regarding Pharmacy Network con- province provider to the system or re- running, providing
formance and the deployment processes
activating a provincial provider to technical and
to pharmacists.
process a patient’s prescription service support to
The Service Desk provides a single point Set up a username and password to individuals using
of contact for users who need technical access the Pharmacy Network after the Client
and service support. It ensures that there verification by the Centre for Health Registry, Health
is follow through with all requests for Information. Once pharmacies have
Information
assistance, allows users to get status up- the ability to connect, pharmacists are
Network, and to
dates on their requests for help, and en- required to contact the Service Desk
answer questions
sures issues have been resolved. Users of to get a username and password
regarding
the Pharmacy Network, such as com- which will give them access to the
Pharmacy
munity pharmacies, should only con- Pharmacy Network
Network
tact the Service Desk after consulting Reset a password, in the event a
their software vendor to diagnose the pharmacist has forgotten his/her conformance and
problem. password to access the system the deployment
processes to
Users can contact the Service Desk via phone or email. Emergency issues should be
pharmacists.”
communicated by phone and non-imperative issues can be communicated via email.
To contact the Service Desk, please call 1-877-752-6006 or 709-752-6006 or email
[email protected].
Updates to the NLPB Website
New! Updated!
Canadian Adverse Reaction Newsletter January Continuing Professional Development page
2009 Continuing Professional Development forms
MedEffect advisories NLPB Pharmacy Binder (March)
NAPRA Notes February 2009 NLPB Standards of Pharmacy Practice—Continuing
NLPB Board Meeting Minutes for 2008 Professional Development
NLPB Strategic Plan 2009-2011 Pharmacies and Pharmacists Registers (March)
Requirements for Registration as a Pharmacist—for
out-of-province applicants
BOARD STAFF
Don Rowe, Ph.C., Secretary Registrar.............................................................................. [email protected]
Newfoundland and
Arlene Crane, Ph.C., Deputy Registrar ........................................................................... [email protected]
Labrador Pharmacy Board
Melanie Healey, Ph.C., Professional Affairs Coordinator ....................................... [email protected]

Veronica Harvey, Executive Assistant to the Registrar.............................................. [email protected]
Apothecary Hall
General Information ............................................................................................................. [email protected]
488 Water Street

St. John's, N A1E 1B3 BOARD MEMBERS
Elected Members
Tel: [phone] Zone 1 ....................................................................................................................................... Margot Priddle
Zone 2 .......................................................................................................................................... David Jenkins
Toll Free: 1-877-453-5877
Zone 3 ............................................................................................................................................ John Rideout
Fax: [phone]
Zone 4 ....................................................................................................................................... Joanne Howlett
E-mail: [email protected]
At Large ................................................................................... Keith Bailey, Brian Healy, Linda Hensman
Appointed Members
............................................................................................................................................................ Don Mifflin
...................................................................................................................................................... Eugene Toope
Observer
MUPS Representative ............................................................................................................... Megan Dawe

EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE
Chair ............................................................................................................................................... John Rideout
Vice-Chair ................................................................................................................................ Joanne Howlett
Executive Member ..................................................................................................................... David Jenkins
Past Chair ......................................................................................................................................... Don Mifflin
Quick Notes
We’re on the Web!!
On March 25, 2009, The Apothecary would like to take this opportunity to
www.nlpb.ca Hall Trust was a recipient of the Historic thank them for giving their time so
Sites Association Manning Award for generously to serve their profession over
Excellence in the Public Presentation of the past number of years:
Historic Places. This award is presented Board—Jerry Young
in recognition of the fine heritage work Finance Committee—Margot Priddle
accomplished across the province by Joint Committee on Structured Practice
community-minded groups and Experience—Darlene Mansfield
organizations and honours the late Bill Registration and Licensing
Manning, former Parks Canada Committee—Don Hillier (chair);
Superintendent of Historic Sites for Melanie Healey and Mike LeBlanc
Newfoundland and Labrador. Manning 
realized that the preservation and

presentation of our heritage requires the
involvement of the people in these

communities. Members of the
Tip!
Apothecary Hall Trust were on hand at
the Sheraton Hotel Newfoundland to Visit the Frequently-
receive the award.
Asked Questions page

on our website for
Over the past year, several pharmacists
quick answers to many
have moved on from the Board as well
common questions!!
as from a number of committees. We