The Manitoba Society of Pharmacists was established in 1972 and is a not-for-profit voluntary organization whose purpose is to promote and advocate the economic and professional interests of its members.

Bill 41 Regulation Policy Document - One Year Later

November 9th, 2011, marks the one year anniversary of the vote on the October 8th, 2010, Regulations Policy Document. That vote demonstrated Manitoba Pharmacists' support for a policy document which had been three years in development and was generally supported by all sectors of the Manitoba pharmacy world. Eighty-four percent approval for the regulation policy document exceeded expectations.

A year ago there was a general feel of optimism that the near consensus outcome of the vote would allow for the document to precede through the final stage of the regulation development process with only manageable challenges. It has always been understood that the Minister of Health has ultimate responsibility for passing the regulations.

Although considerable time and effort went into the October 8th, 2010 document everyone recognizes that it needs the support of Manitoba Health to become a reality. The question for most of us is should we continue to be optimistic?

MSP would like to be able to advise the membership of the developments which have taken place over the past year; however we are not a party to this process and are dependent on updates from the parties involved. Certainly ongoing discussions with both Manitoba Health and MPhA provide us with periodic updates and we do our best to monitor developments. Meetings are ongoing, and it appears that a complete review of the October 8th, 2010 document is reaching conclusion.

Indications are that at some point in the near future, one or both the parties responsible for taking the regulations to final passage will provide an update on the process. This opportunity should allow those not directly involved with the final stages of the regulation development process, with a status update. Hopefully we are also informed about a realistic time line for the enactment of the new Pharmaceutical Act.

For now we will continue to focus on the opportunities that are to come and work towards being as prepared as possible for the new environment. Introducing new professional services, compensation models, and regulated pharmacy technicians brings many challenges and this work continues independently of the regulation development process. MSP will continue to inform members of any significant developments.