ACP is responsible for governing the practice of pharmacists and pharmacy technicians; complementary but distinct professions. Our college is also responsible for governing licensed pharmacies.
One of ACP’s five strategic goals is to integrate pharmacy technicians into pharmacy practice teams, exercising responsibility for roles they’re authorized to fulfill.
Some pharmacy technicians have suggested that ACP should change its name to be more inclusive of pharmacy technicians. Other individuals have suggested that a name change more inclusive of pharmacy technicians may assist in affirming their legislated status and the authorities they have to the public and other health professionals.
Background
In Alberta, there are 29 colleges that regulate health professionals; however, there are over 30 health professions. Only a few colleges regulate more than one profession. For example, the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Alberta regulates physicians, surgeons, and osteopaths, and has been asked to regulate physician assistants in the future. The Alberta College of Speech Language Pathologists and Audiologists regulates Speech Language Pathologists and Audiologists.
The following organizations regulate or register pharmacy technicians in nine Canadian jurisdictions:
- College of Pharmacists of British Columbia (pending name change to the College of Pharmacy Professionals of British Columbia)
- Alberta College of Pharmacists
- Saskatchewan College of Pharmacy Professionals
- College of Pharmacists of Manitoba
- Ontario College of Pharmacists
- New Brunswick College of Pharmacists
- Nova Scotia College of Pharmacists
- Prince Edward Island College of Pharmacists
- Newfoundland and Labrador Pharmacy Board
Relative Legislation
The Health Professions Act in Alberta requires that all organizations granted the privilege to regulate a profession must be called a college. The names of regulating colleges are recognized in the Schedules of Part 2, including the Alberta College of Pharmacists. A recommendation to change the name of the college requires approval by the legislature. We understand that amendments to the Health Professions Act may be considered within the next year, so it is timely that this discussion occurs in Alberta.
Our Invitation to You
While we have heard from many pharmacy technicians, Council is inviting all registrants to contribute to this discussion, prior to making a decision. Next week, we will issue a survey inviting your input. This will supplement input that we look forward to receiving through our webinar on April 11, and regional meetings in Fort McMurray (April 20) and Calgary (May 2).
Decision
Council holds responsibility for any decision to recommend a name change of the college in the legislation. Council is requesting your input, so that they can make an informed decision at their meeting in June.
