Licensee Competencies Framework

Introduction

The achievement of consistent, high-quality practice in pharmacies across Alberta is highly dependent on the leadership shown by their licensees. An important part of serving the health and safety of the public is ensuring licensees meet regulatory requirements, support safe pharmacy practices, and are available and present for patients and staff within their pharmacy. Licensees must be able to coach, mentor, and inspire their teams to practice at or above the Alberta College of Pharmacy (ACP) standards and Code of Ethics, and in adherence to the professionalism framework.

The ACP Licensee Competencies Framework (LCF) was finalized in 2023 and is a set of six competencies—essential job-related knowledge, skills, attitudes, and judgements necessary for a pharmacist to be competent in their role as a licensee. The LCF was informed and developed through a review of literature, environmental scanning from other provinces and professions, consultation with licensees and regulated members through an advisory group, review by a competency development consultant, and feedback gathered through consultation.

Application

The LCF can be used by licensees to identify strengths and weaknesses to guide their own, as well as their team’s, development. Pharmacy team members also benefit from the role clarity of the licensee and can use the framework to reflect on pharmacy processes and plan their own leadership development. Lastly, and most importantly, patients benefit from access to consistently skilled and effective pharmacy teams and services.