MSP Member Update Vol. 6 No. 35
Dec. 20th, 2007  

In This Issue:         

1. MPhA Draft Pharmaceutical  Act Regulations Policy Document
2. Bulletin #56 - Manitoba Drug Benefits and Interchangeability Formulary Amendments

1. The Draft Pharmaceutical  Act  Regulations Policy Document has now been posted to the MSP Website. To view a pdf copy of the draft regulations visit the MSP website at www.msp.mb.ca  or click here.   

By now most pharmacists have received a copy of the draft regulations from MPhA.  Over the coming weeks the Society will continue to update members with comments and information related to the draft regulations.  At this time legal counsel is reviewing the the document and we expect to provide you with his opinions in early 2008. 

Fully understanding the draft regulations is a challenging undertaking; the MSP Government Relations Committee will continue to be fully engaged in the regulation development process, and is committed to providing members with the resources necessary to develop informed opinions. Members are encouraged to visit the MSP website where numerous resource materials are available. 

Now that the draft regulations have been circulated,  a number of pharmacists have inquired as to which sections of the regulations are the most significant.  While the entire document is important, and the regulations must be considered in their entirety, the Manitoba Society of Pharmacists has over the past few months developed position statements with respect to many of the more significant topics.  These position statements address the following topics: Inducements, Central Fill Component, Pharmacy Manager Qualifications, Distance Care Component, Professional Liability Insurance, Extended Practice Pharmacists & Specialty Care Practice, Pharmacist Profiles, Pharmacist Prescribing, Pharmacy Technicians, Tele-pharmacy, Practice Directions, and Personal Health Identification Number (PHIN).  All the position statements can be found on the MSP Website.

2. Bulletin #56 - Manitoba Drug Benefits and Interchangeability Formulary Amendments

The Provincial Government has amended the Manitoba Specified Drug Regulation and Drug Interchangeability Formulary Regulation effective January 2, 2008.  Bulletin #56 can be viewed on the Manitoba Health website at http://www.gov.mb.ca/health/mdbif/bulletin56.pdf.  Normally more advance notice is provided before amendments come into effect, however recently announced price changes of some significance has meant changes need to made at once.

As you will see the vast majority of the changes included in Bulletin #56 are limited to price changes.  However, you should be aware of the scheduling change concerning Mirapex and Generic Pramipexole.  These products are being moved from Part 1 to Part 2.  A copy of the notice of this change can be also be found on the Manitoba Health website at http://www.gov.mb.ca/health/mdbif/mirapex.pdf.  
  

The Board of Directors and Staff at MSP would like to extend thanks to all the members
 for their support during the past year and wish everyone a happy holiday season and
all the best in the New Year!