Council extends appreciation to regulated members who reviewed and commented on amendments proposed to ACP bylaws. Council considered all comments received from the consultation and has approved some bylaw amendments, the most significant of which are outlined below. All amendments will come into effect January 1, 2025.
Associate register
The associate register will be rescinded. After discussion, Council believes that the associate register is not consistent with the mandate of the college. The associate register provides no direct value to those who choose to subscribe to it, as it does not change requirements of individuals who have left practice and wish to return. Individuals who choose to leave practising status may cancel their annual permit and may return to practice upon complying with re-admission requirements.
As of January 1, 2025, new applications to the associate register will not be accepted. Pharmacy technicians may still choose to register as an associate prior to December 31, 2024. Any pharmacy technician or pharmacist on the associate register will continue on that register until the end of their membership year.
Retired register
Regulated members may choose to register on the retired register if they are 55 years of age or older, or if they have practised as a clinical pharmacist or pharmacy technician in Canada for 20 years. Applicants will need to provide professional declarations to meet these criteria.
Consultation about standards and bylaws
The period for consulting about the adoption of new—or amendments to the existing—Code of Ethics, standards under the Health Professions Act and the Pharmacy and Drug Act, and ACP bylaws will change from 60 days to 45 days. Council had proposed that the period for consultation be amended to 30 days; however, upon considering the feedback received, approved the change to 45 days.
Period for which a pharmacy may operate without a licence
The period for which a pharmacy may operate without a licence under the direction of a temporary pharmacist in charge (TPIC) was changed from 90 days to 60 days. Council is concerned that the number of pharmacies operating under a TPIC has increased, and the period for appointing a licensee has been prolonged. ACP will continue to monitor trends in pharmacies operating temporarily without a licence.
Signing authority
The bylaws were amended to accommodate electronic funds transfer.
Schedule A
The fees assessed by the college for changes in licensees and proprietors will be the same. Fees assessed by the college for pharmacy relocation or pharmacy renovations will be the same. In each instance, there is a high degree of commonality in the administrative processes required to administer the co-related changes.
Changes to Council districts and election processes NOT approved
Council did not approve amendments related to elections including, but not limited to, changing Council districts, eligibility for nomination, and election processes. ACP is in the final stages of an external governance review and, at conclusion, Council may reconsider the proposed changes amongst other alternatives.
