ASSISTANT PHARMACIST REGULATION & REGISTRATION

Dear fellow Assistant Pharmacist of Malaysia,

I would like to highlight some of the important points for the developments of our profesion in Malaysia. To get some idea, I paste some infomations from a website which was in a powerpoint presentation taken from Canada Pharmacist Council regarding Regulations and Registrations of Pharmacy Technician.

Key Points (Powerpoint presentations):

SLIDE 1 :Considering Regulation

Benefits:
1. Enhanced safety overall
* More qualified personnel
* More focus on areas of expertise (Pharmacists and Pharmacy Technicians)

2. More time for pharmacists to provide comprehensive and cognitive patient care services.

SLIDE 2 : Benefits to Registered Pharmacy Technicians

* Role would be strengthened and raised to that of a regulated profession
* Clearly set professional standards of practice and scope of practice equals greater job satisfaction
* Increased professional status and recognition by the public
* Would participate in the self-governance of a profession already established

SLIDE 3 : Health System Improvement Act (Bill 171 introduced Dec. 2006)

Expanding Health Care Services

- Regulating pharmacy technicians would allow them to independently compound and dispense drugs, enabling pharmacists to turn their attention to providing more comprehensive patient-centred health care services with regards to drug therapy/care.

SLIDE 4 : Proposed Legislation

* New class of registration
* Title protection for pharmacy Technicians
* Council to include pharmacy technicians (phased-in process)
* Access to Controlled Act (dispensing/compounding) subject to terms, conditions and imitations

SLIDE 5 : Proposed R.Ph.T. Role Will Include:

* Confirm accuracy and completeness of prepared pharmaceutical products
* Check and sign off on technical accuracy of filled prescriptions
* Functions defined through College Standards and policies and procedures in the individual workplace

SLIDE 6 : REGISTERED PHARMACY TECHNICIAN will:

* Have standards of practice
* Have accountability and responsibility for their actions
* Be subject to complaints and discipline processes
* Be expected to keep current and participate in a Quality Assurance program

SLIDE 7 : Registration requirements

* Entry-to-practice requirements including:
education (expanded curriculum, accredited education programs)
* fluency
* practical training
* exams (knowledge, performance, jurisprudence)

SLIDE 8 : Accreditation for Pharmacy Technician Education Programs

* National educational outcomes approved (CPTEA)
* Canadian Council for Accreditation of Pharmacy Programs (CCAPP) to accredit
pharmacy technician education programs
* Preliminary Program accreditation possible for spring 2008

SLIDE 9 : Bridging Programs

* Some new learning for everyone (becoming a regulated professional)
* Needs will be varied (tech-check-tech)
* Demonstration of competency needed
* Flexibility of programs is important

SLIDE 10 : Moving Forward

* Maintain dialogue with primary stakeholders (pharmacy technicians, pharmacists, employers, educators, professional associations and organizations, government)

* Educate and update all stakeholders of ongoing progress (transition process, bridging programs, examination)

SLIDE 11 : Integration of Pharmacy Technicians in A COUNCIL

* Strategic plan includes “regulation and integration of pharmacy technicians”
* Two pharmacy technician observers at Council during transition phase
* Pharmacy Technician Working Group will plan transition planning process

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The duration of basic course for Pharmacy Technician in Canada is just two years, but for us in Malaysia, it is 3 years Diploma course with 98 credit hours. With a comprehensive studies and curricullum, we deserve a better recognitions and respect from all parties.
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In the slide no 10, i had bold the sentences, as I find it is very important for us in Malaysia. This is another reason for the formation of "MAJLIS PERUNDINGAN PEN.PEGAWAI FARMASI" which was supported by all parties. (10 organisations)

A CHANGE IS KNOCKING THE DOOR ....