MSP Member Update Vol. 8 No. 2
Jan. 8th, 2009 

In This Issue:

1. MSP Position Statements – Bill 41 Regulations
2. MB Health Pharmacy Reversals

1. The Manitoba Society of Pharmacists adopted position statements regarding the Draft Regulations during the fall of 2007.  These position statements were based largely on the questionnaire results received from MSP members, the results of a Probe Survey commissioned by MSP, and various legal opinions.

MSP is in the process of updating these position statements based on developments over the past year.  These seven position statements have been posted to the MSP Website and can be accessed at Manitoba http://www.msp.mb.ca/bill41-regulationslist.asp?showmaster=1&catID=23.  These position statements were not the subject of the MPhA sub-committee process which occurred this past summer.  Therefore, not surprisingly, they remain largely unchanged.  The MSP Board of Directors and Government Relations Committee has been reviewing the reports of the MPhA sub-committees and position statements related to those issues will be updated accordingly.

Members can expect to receive all updated position statements within the next six weeks.

2. MSP Members will recall that Manitoba Health implemented reversals policy amendments effective November 17, 2008.  The policy amendments can be viewed by Clicking Here.  Members are encouraged to take a moment to review this information as the impact is significant.  On-line reversals can now be made for up to 28 days, a substantial improvement from the previous 14 day deadline.  However some pharmacies have not fully appreciated that manual reversals are no longer an option and those reversals need to be submitted within 28 days.

Manitoba Health has demonstrated a willingness to accommodate the policy changes and have accepted many manual claims over the last several weeks. However it has become clear that this is an interim arrangement and that in the coming weeks, Manitoba Health Auditors will be making random visits to pharmacies to ensure compliance with the reversal policy amendments.  Pharmacists are encouraged to comply with the policy amendments to avoid negative outcomes.

This policy change is intended to result in greater efficiency and less demands on pharmacist time.  Nevertheless if you are aware of any unanticipated negative impact please contact the MSP at info@msp.mb.ca.  MB Health has expressed a willingness to work through any unforeseen difficulties.