An essential component of quality patient care is ensuring there are appropriate processes for supervision in place. Provisional pharmacists and pharmacy students must be supervised in accordance with the rules of the Structured Practical Training program and the Standards of Practice for Pharmacists and Pharmacy Technicians (SPPPT).
While the SPPPT permits the supervising regulated member to provide the level of supervision they consider appropriate for safe and effective performance of professional services for most restricted activities, there are certain restricted activities that always require additional oversight.
One restricted activity that always requires direct supervision is administering injections.
A pharmacy student or provisional pharmacist who has completed the Council requirements for the administration of injections and has valid and current CPR and first aid certifications may only administer drugs by injection under the direct supervision of a supervising pharmacist who has the appropriate authorization and training. In other words, the supervising pharmacist must be directly present to observe, guide, monitor, and promptly intervene.
Remember, the supervisor remains responsible and accountable for the actions of the pharmacy student or provisional registrant and this direct supervision is always required when a pharmacy student or provisional pharmacist is administering a drug by injection to ensure quality patient care.
