One of the changes in ACP’s new Standards for the Operation of Licensed Pharmacies is that the requirement for pharmacies to perform at least Level A compounding on site at the pharmacy has been removed. However, the SOLP require that all licensed pharmacies must provide patients access to compounding services.
Pharmacies may meet their obligation to provide access to compounding services
- by performing compounding directly in the pharmacy in accordance with compounding standards, or
- through an agreement with a pharmacy located in Alberta that holds a compounding and repackaging licence.
Pharmacies that provide compounding services on site may also enter into an agreement with a compounding and repackaging pharmacy.
This change was introduced to offer more flexibility for pharmacy teams while ensuring patients have access to compounding services that are appropriate, safe, and of high quality.
There are new requirements for pharmacy teams that choose not to provide non-sterile and sterile compounding services on site. The following requirements must be met before ceasing compounding services:
- You must have an agreement in place with a pharmacy holding a compounding and repackaging licence. You can find appropriately licensed pharmacies in the ACP compounding and repackaging pharmacy directory.
- You must notify ACP by submitting a Declaration for compounding services to pharmacy@abpharmacy.ca.
Licensees must ensure the above steps are completed prior to ceasing onsite compounding services. Remember, it is the licensee’s responsibility to ensure patients have access to appropriate, safe, high-quality compounding services.
