MSP Member Update Vol. 8 No. 3
Jan. 23rd, 2009

 
Save the Dates
The Manitoba Pharmacy Conference
April 17th, 18th, & 19th, 2009
The Victoria Inn – 1808 Wellington Ave.
Winnipeg, MB

In This Issue:

1. Health Professions Regulatory Reform Initiative
2. Nominations for the MSP Award of Merit
3. MB Health Pharmacy Reversals

1. Yesterday, the Minister of Health released the “Health Professions Regulatory Reform Consultation Document”, and invited the public, regulatory bodies, professional associations, and health professionals to comment on the proposed legislation.  Pharmacists are one of twenty-one health professions that would be impacted substantially by the Regulated Health Professions Act.  Over the next few weeks MSP will review the consultation document, and the membership can expect to receive further information on this most important issue.  The deadline to provide Manitoba Health comments on the consultation document is February 27th, 2009.

2. The Deadline for Nominations for the Award of Merit is Feb. 4th, 2009.  The Award of Merit is bestowed upon an active member of the Manitoba Society of Pharmacists in recognition for active participation and promotion contributing to the benefit of the Manitoba Society of Pharmacists and the Profession of Pharmacy. Information regarding qualifications for the award and nomination forms can be downloaded at http://www.msp.mb.ca/files/Nominations%20for%20The%20Manitoba%20Society%20of%20Pharmacist.pdf.
   
   
3. MSP Members will recall that Manitoba Health implemented a reversal policy amendment 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 and Healthy Living (MHHL) Risk Management/Quality Assurance representatives with Manitoba Health over the past two weeks have made unannounced visits to pharmacies to determine if the reversal’s policy amendment is being adhered to. In some cases significant non-compliance has been identified.  
   
   If you currently have medication orders which have not been reversed out of DPIN within 28 days contact the MSP office and we will attempt to assist you. 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.