OPA's Review of 2022
- Completed a professional needs and compensation survey to help inform the work of OPA and better address the needs of pharmacy professionals
- Supported membership with updated naloxone clinical tool, point-of-care testing (POCT) tools and resources, safety and security tools, Universal Influenza Immunization Program (UIIP) form, long-term care best practice guidelines, updated 2SLGBTQIA+ resources, and website upgrades
- Maintained and regularly updated COVID-19 tools and created Moderna monovalent and bivalent vaccine tools
- Delivered timely and effective email communications to keep members apprised of regulatory and policy changes
- Expanded insurance offerings with additional health dental, and travel options
- Saved members more than $17K collectively through member benefits
- Provided over 30 webinars with over 100s of attendees
- Continued collaboration and outreach with key stakeholders including the Ontario College of Pharmacists (OCP), the Ministry of Health, academic institutions and more
Advocacy Achievements
- Successfully advocated for the approval of regulatory amendments to enable prescribing for certain minor ailments by Part A pharmacists, students and interns
- Expanded the authority for pharmacy professionals to perform certain POCTs including blood glucose, HbA1C, PT/INR, and lipids
- Enabled Paxlovid dispensing through all community pharmacies and negotiated a higher Ontario Drug Benefit (ODB) dispensing fee and expansion of the Pharmaceutical Opinion Program (POP)
- Successfully advocated for a continued pause to the planned reduction of the long-term-care capitation funding for pharmacies
- Maintained scope to administer COVID-19 vaccines through the extension of regulations
- Improved access to the UIIP by successfully extending the deadline for newly accredited pharmacies to apply to participate
- Drove advocacy to enable Evusheld dispensing through pharmacies
- Successfully advocated for an indefinite pause to the Green Shield Canada (GSC) value-based pharmacy initiative
Looking Ahead
- Continuing to build momentum and advocate for expanded scope as pharmacy professionals demonstrate their critical role in the healthcare system
- Ongoing work to address the wellbeing of the pharmacy profession and increasing supports for mental health with targeted services, resources, and partnerships
- Funding reform proposals to ensure appropriate remuneration for pharmacy services and fees including: minor ailment services, ODB dispensing and compounding fees, pharmacist-led medication reconciliation in long-term care, POCT, MedsCheck reform, prescription adaptations and renewals, and more
- Driving efforts to establish a formal pharmacy agreement between the Ministry of Health and OPA to streamline processes and ensure the voices of all pharmacy professionals are heard
- Persisting in defending, advancing and promoting the pharmacy profession
- Expanding pharmacy safety initiatives with resources and continuing to work with the OCP and other key stakeholders to protect pharmacy professionals and pharmacies
- Achieving a greater degree of unity and engagement across the profession
- Continuing to enhance practice support for pharmacy professionals
- Continuing meaningful work and key conversations on inclusivity, equity, and diversity initiatives
- Ensuring both professional and personal risks are proactively managed and covered through all insurance programs specifically built for pharmacy professionals
Ready to Join?
As a member of OPA, you have a unique opportunity to shape the future of the pharmacy profession while accessing tools and resources that empower you to succeed.