ACP, with support from Queen’s University, has developed the Licensee and Proprietor Education Programs (LPEP), which are comprised of three different programs. Each program targets a specific audience: new or prospective licensees, experienced licensees, and proprietors, in particular proprietor’s representatives.
The three programs were designed to ensure licensees and proprietors review the information required for their specific roles, understand their responsibilities, and ensure their knowledge is current.
The newly developed LPEP replace the existing Licensee Education Program (LEP) and Proprietor’s Self-Assessment. As of October 9, 2024, enrollment in the LEP is no longer available.
Setting the foundation: Licensee Competencies Framework
In August 2024, ACP introduced the Licensee Competencies Framework (LCF). The LCF 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 competencies are a blueprint for what it takes to develop and succeed in the role of licensee.
The competencies in the LCF set the foundation for the LPEP, ensuring licensees can develop and succeed in their leadership roles.
New learning requirements
All pharmacists applying to be the licensee of a new or existing pharmacy now require evidence of completion of the applicable program of the LPEP.
In addition, all licensees and proprietor’s representatives must complete the applicable program of the LPEP before applying to renew their 2025-26 pharmacy licence.
Why the change?
There have been a number of significant changes in pharmacy practice since the introduction of the LEP in 2020, including the introduction of the LCF and approval of the new Standards of Practice for Pharmacists and Pharmacy Technicians (SPPPT) and the Standards for the Operation of Licensed Pharmacies (SOLP).
It is essential that licensees and proprietors can effectively fulfill their roles with current and comprehensive knowledge, competencies, and skills. These programs were designed to support licensees and proprietors and to help them succeed in their leadership roles.
LPEP’s three programs
The LPEP is broken down into three programs to ensure licensees and proprietors receive the information and support required for their levels of experience and specific roles.
Licensee Fundamentals
This program comprehensively outlines the knowledge needed to manage the operation of a pharmacy and lead a pharmacy team, emphasizing the authority, responsibility, and accountability of the licensee role. It will allow learners to reflect on and apply this knowledge to case-based scenarios, modelled on common situations and challenges.
The program provides an in-depth review of the Foundational requirements and standards. The information outlined in Licensee Fundamentals is required knowledge for both new licensees and for licensees establishing the operations of a new pharmacy. This program would also benefit all pharmacy team members, including pharmacists and pharmacy technicians, who want to take on a leadership role in ensuring quality pharmacy practice.
Licensee Development
This program guides experienced licensees in reflecting on their pharmacy operations and leadership, using the LCF to prompt practice improvements and goal setting.
Pharmacists who accept the role of licensee fulfill many important roles in the pharmacy and must ensure they have the up-to-date knowledge, skills, and information to ensure compliance with ACP programs and standards, as well as legislation. ACP has designed Licensee Development to support experienced licensees’ continued learning in their diverse roles and to support adjustment to changes in pharmacy practice.
Proprietor Education Program (PEP)
This program outlines the legal responsibilities and expectations for the proprietor. The program clarifies their authority and accountability in the context of applicable legislation and is tailored to those who are not regulated members. This program is required for proprietor’s representatives and encouraged for anyone who owns, manages, or directs the operations of a pharmacy.
While these programs are required for specific roles, all pharmacy team members, leaders, and owners are encouraged to complete applicable programs to learn more about leadership within the pharmacy and how that can enhance quality pharmacy practice.
Which part of the LPEP should individuals complete?
- Licensee Fundamentals: for pharmacists who
- have limited or no licensee experience, or
- are applying to be the licensee of a new pharmacy;
- Licensee Development: for experienced licensees
- of existing pharmacies who will be applying to renew their pharmacy’s licence, or
- who are applying to be the licensee of an existing pharmacy; and
- Proprietor Education Program: for non-pharmacy proprietors, and especially proprietor’s representatives.
Learn more and register for these programs on the Licensee and Proprietor Education Programs webpage. For further information about the LPEP, refer to the LPEP Q&A guide.
