MSP Member Update - Volume 1, Number 18
December 24, 2003

The Board of Directors and Staff of the Manitoba Society of Pharmacists wishes you a happy holiday season.

January 1, 2004 brings with it two significant developments which pharmacists should not overlook -

Non-Insured Health Benefits Fee
The Economics Committee wants to remind all pharmacies in Manitoba that the Non-Insured Health Benefits (NIHB) MAXIMUM PROFESSIONAL FEE increases from $9.22 to $9.53 effective January 1, 2004 .  This is the final increase in the agreement MSP reached with Health Canada earlier this year.  Negotiations on a new agreement are set to begin in April, 2004.

All pharmacies are reminded that NIHB cannot be charged more than your Usual and Customary Fee or the MAXIMUM PROFESSIONAL FEE, whichever is less.

Personal Information Protection & Electronic Documents Act (PIPEDA)
As of January 1, 2004 , pharmacists in Canada must comply with the new federal privacy law, PIPEDA.  One of the areas where PIPEDA applies is the collection, use and disclosure of health information by health care providers.

The Canadian Pharmacists Association has recently developed some useful tools to assist pharmacists in complying with PIPEDA, which can found at the following link.

Have a safe and happy holiday season.

MSP

PS Save the dates!  The Manitoba Pharmacy Conference 2004, April 16th to 18th at the Canad Inns, Polo Park.  More information to come in 2004!

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