Council held a regularly scheduled meeting on December 7, 2023, and a supplementary meeting on February 6, 2024, to address extraordinary issues. The subjects addressed were broad, being significant to patients, the health system, the operation of licensed pharmacies, and the governance and leadership of the college. Following are highlights from Council’s deliberations.
December 7, 2023
Engagement with Alberta Health Advocates
Leaders from Alberta Health Advocates introduced Council to Alberta’s Health Charter. Required under the Alberta Health Act, the charter “sets out key values and aims for Alberta’s health system and the roles and responsibilities of patients and providers within the health system. Council learned about the important role that the office provides in advocating for, and guiding Albertans to address some of their personal health needs. This was a valued opportunity to learn more about how Alberta Health Advocates complements the role of colleges like ACP. Watch for a more extensive forthcoming article about Alberta Health Advocates coming soon.
Standards for the Operation of Licensed Pharmacies
Council considered a DRAFT version of updates to the Standards for the Operation of Licensed Pharmacies (SOLP). As part of Council’s commitment to modernize ACP’s standards, the updated standards complement the proposed updated version of the Standards of Practice for Pharmacists and Pharmacy Technicians (SPPPT). These updates are important to ensure the standards remain relevant to patient expectations and the evolution of pharmacy practice. Council approved the DRAFT SOLP for the purpose of consultation.
Oath of Office
Council approved an “Oath of Office,” a declaration that all Council members will need to commit to at the commencement of each Council year. The oath clarifies and contextualizes the responsibilities of each Council member as a leader of the college. By doing so, it clarifies their commitment to pursuing “decisions that protect and serve the public interest, through the safe, effective, ethical, and responsible practices of pharmacists and pharmacy technicians and the operation of licensed pharmacies.”
February 6, 2024
Proposed Amendment to Bylaw 37(3) – Eligibility of individuals to serve as registrar
Council has approved an amendment to bylaw 37(3) for the purpose of consultation with regulated members, removing the requirement for the registrar to be “a voting member in good standing with the college.” The amendment was recommended by the succession planning committee for the following reasons:
- “Individuals eligible to register with ACP will continue to be a target market for our search.
- It opens the possibility to consider all potential leaders who have the leadership capacity and character to lead ACP forward.
- In today’s complex and constantly evolving regulatory environment, having extensive expertise in the field of pharmacy may not be the essential requirement it once was.
- To ensure the success of our recruitment and the future of ACP, we must recognize the potential significance of a diverse range of contextually relevant backgrounds and experiences.”
A 60-day period of consultation will commence with regulated members this week.
Governance of the college
Council has approved a review of the governance of the college. The results will serve as a foundation for board development and enhancement of the Council’s governance practices. ACP’s current governance model has served the college well for the past 20 years, and without it, ACP would not have achieved what we have.
With a view to the college’s continued success, now is a prudent time for this review, particularly with the significant changes in Council membership that are occurring, and the search for the registrar elect. Insights from the review will inform training for all Council members, so that collectively they can deliberate governance models, policies, and processes that will work best for ACP in the future. Ultimately, this will inform any bylaw amendments required to support Council’s governance decisions.
