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Page 1: Registration Policy Manual

JulyJuly 2015

November 2016

Page 2: Registration Policy Manual

Ontario College of Pharmacists Registration Policy Manual

1

Contents INTRODUCTION ............................................................................................................................................. 2

EDUCATION ................................................................................................................................................... 5

Policy: Acceptance of Bridging Education for Former Pharmacy Assistants Who Successfully Completed the PEBC Evaluating Examination after January 1, 2012 ....................................................... 5

GOOD CHARACTER ........................................................................................................................................ 7

Policy: Reported Minor Offences ............................................................................................................. 7

LANGUAGE PROFICIENCY .............................................................................................................................. 8

Policy: Language Proficiency Requirements at Registration for All Applicants ....................................... 8

Policy: Non-Objective Evidence of Language Proficiency ........................................................................ 9

Policy: Extending the Validity of Language Proficiency Test Scores....................................................... 12

JURISPRUDENCE EXAMINATION ................................................................................................................. 14

Policy: Jurisprudence Examination Testing Accommodation ................................................................ 14

Policy: Jurisprudence Examination Administration Appeals .................................................................. 15

Policy: Jurisprudence Examination Re-Scoring ....................................................................................... 16

STRUCTURED PRACTICAL TRAINING ........................................................................................................... 18

Policy: SPT Preceptor Criteria ................................................................................................................. 18

Policy: SPE Evaluator Criteria ................................................................................................................. 20

Policy: SPT/SPE Practice Site Criteria ..................................................................................................... 22

Policy: SPT and SPE Conflict of Interest .................................................................................................. 23

Policy: Part-Time Completion of Structured Practical Training ............................................................. 25

Policy: Extension of Validity of Structured Practical Evaluation for Pharmacy Technician .................... 26

Applicants Practising in a Hospital Pharmacy ......................................................................................... 26

PRACTICE ASSESSMENT OF COMPETENCE AT ENTRY (PACE) ..................................................................... 27

Policy: Acceptance of the College’s Practice Assessment of Competence at Entry (PACE) for Intern-Level Structured Practical Training ......................................................................................................... 27

Policy: Practice Assessment of Competence at Entry (PACE) Assessors ................................................ 28

Policy: Practice Assessment of Competence at Entry (PACE) Administration Appeals ......................... 30

Policy: Practice Assessment of Competence at Entry (PACE) Re-Scoring .............................................. 31

CERTIFICATES OF REGISTRATION ................................................................................................................ 33

Policy: Intern Registration for the University of Toronto’s PharmD for Pharmacists Program .............. 33

Policy: Student Registration for International Pharmacy Graduates Who Pass the PEBC Qualifying Exam for Pharmacists on the First Attempt ............................................................................................ 34

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INTRODUCTION In Ontario, health professional practice is governed by a college according to the provisions of the Health Professions Procedural Code (schedule 2 to the Regulated Health Professions Act). Each health professional college has its own governing council and committees, as well as a specific statute and regulation that set out the qualifications for registration.

For this College, the requirements for registration are set out in the General Regulation under the Pharmacy Act, 1991. Within the Registration Regulation, some requirements may be determined with Council approval, and are established as resolutions for those specific requirements. The Registration Committee also has the authority to establish or define specific requirements within the Regulation. This further guidance on how the requirements may be met is approved as policies.

Registration Principles Development of the registration requirements, resolutions, policies and processes were guided by the following principles:

1. The College’s Registration practices are fair, transparent, objective, and impartial. 2. The College processes applications in a timely manner, and without unnecessary delay. 3. Decisions to register an applicant are made in the interest of public safety. 4. Decisions to register an applicant are based on the applicant’s knowledge, skill, judgment and

ability to practise according to the standards of the profession.

Non-Exemptible vs. Exemptible Requirements Some requirements in the Regulation are identified as “non-exemptible”, meaning that a panel may not exempt an applicant from the requirement. The non-exemptible requirements are:

• Education (specified degree or diploma) required for entry-to-practice the profession • Jurisprudence Examination • Structured practical training • Pharmacy Examining Board of Canada Qualifying Examination

Some requirements may be met through alternative means. Examples of these requirements include:

• Currency of education and/or training • Good character • Language proficiency • Currency of structured practical training

Classes of Registration There are four classes of registration with the College:

1. Registered Pharmacy Student; 2. Intern; 3. Pharmacist; and 4. Pharmacy Technician.

Registration Requirements for All Members Some of the requirements for registration apply to all members, while others are specific to the class. The requirements that apply to all members are those with respect to:

• Language proficiency • Good character • Citizenship or legal status in Canada

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In addition to this, there are administrative requirements regarding professional liability insurance, fees and timelines that apply to all applicants. Requirements and policies that are specific to one class of registration are indicated in the policy where applicable.

Registration Process An applicant who meets all the requirements for registration for all members as well as those for a student, intern, pharmacist or pharmacy technician will receive a Certificate of Registration for the class to which they applied. In cases, where an applicant does not meet all of the requirements, the application will undergo an administrative review or be referred to a panel of the Registration Committee for consideration. An applicant who makes a false or misleading statement or representation will be deemed not to have satisfied the requirements for issuance of a certificate of registration.

Administrative Review The Registration Committee has approved policies that confer authority to registration staff to review supporting documentation and apply the relevant decision criteria to determine that the applicant has met the requirements. If the criteria in the policy are met, then it is applied; if the criteria are not met, the application will be referred to a panel of the Registration Committee.

Referral to a Registration Panel An applicant who does not meet the requirements for a Certificate of Registration is always referred to a panel of the Registration Committee for consideration. The applicant will be notified of the referral, and given an opportunity to provide further written information to the panel. The onus is on the applicant to provide the panel with sufficient evidence or reasons to believe that he or she meets the requirement(s) in question.

All applications referred to the panel are considered on a case-by-case basis. Where it is appropriate, panels may use decision-making tools provided by staff to the Registration Committee to help ensure consistent decision-making. Applicants are notified of the Panel’s decision within three business days after the meeting, and will be advised of any actions to take, if applicable.

Request for Referral to a Registration Panel An applicant who does not meet a non-exemptible requirement has the right to request a panel review of his or her application.

Accommodating Disability The College is committed to making all services and programs available to people with disabilities. The College’s Customer Service Policy outlines how accessibility will be achieved.

For the purpose of registration, the College will only collect the information necessary to establish accommodation requirements for an applicant. Personal health information will be collected, used and disclosed according to the rules established by the Personal Health Information Protection Act, 2004.

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Registration Policy Manual This manual contains all of the policies related to registration as a member of the Ontario College of Pharmacists (“OCP” or “the College”). The policies are categorized under five general registration requirement headings, and a general registration category:

• Education • Good Character • Language Proficiency • Jurisprudence Examination • Structured Practical Training • Practice Assessment of Competence at Entry • Certificates of Registration

The process, decision criteria and possible outcomes are stated for each policy.

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EDUCATION All applicants must meet the applicable educational requirements. These are non-exemptible. In Ontario, pharmacists and pharmacy technicians are self-governing health professionals who have been entrusted to practise and perform authorized acts under the Regulated Health Professions Act, 1991. It is essential that all members have the appropriate and current level of education, knowledge, skill and judgment required for this level of responsibility. Policy: Acceptance of Bridging Education for Former Pharmacy Assistants Who Successfully Completed the PEBC Evaluating Examination after January 1, 2012 First approved: October 2011 Revised: November 2016 Reviewed: November 2016

Policy A former pharmacy assistant who had unsuccessfully attempted the PEBC Evaluating Examination before January 1, 2012, and who has successfully completed the Pharmacy Technician Bridging Education Program before January 1, 2015 will be considered to have met the educational requirements for pharmacy technicians.

Process The pharmacy technician applicant will submit his or her application with the date he or she had successfully completed the PEBC Evaluating Examination. College staff will review the application and confirm that the applicant had attempted the PEBC Evaluating Exam before January 1, 2012, and decide whether the application may be processed according to this policy. The applicant will be notified of the outcome within five to 10 business days.

Decision Criteria This policy is only applicable where an applicant has:

1. Unsuccessfully attempted the PEBC Evaluating Examination before January 1, 2012; 2. Successfully completed the Pharmacy Technician Bridging Education Program before January 1,

2015; and 3. Has met all of the other requirements to register as a pharmacy technician.

Possible Outcomes

Educational requirement met The applicant will be registered provided all of the other registration requirements have been met.

Educational requirement not met The applicant must obtain a diploma from a pharmacy technician educational program accredited by the Canadian Council for the Accreditation of Pharmacy Programs to meet the educational requirement for registration.

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Background Pharmacy technician applicants who graduated from an unaccredited educational program or who were trained on the job were permitted to meet the educational requirements to register as a pharmacy technician by successfully completing a bridging education program that was approved by the College’s Council as one whose graduates should possess knowledge, skill and judgment at least equivalent to a current graduate of an accredited pharmacy technician educational program. To access this bridging education, these former pharmacy assistants had to have successfully completed one of the following examinations by January 1, 2012: 1. The College’s Pharmacy Technician Certification Examination; 2. The Pharmacy Technician Evaluating Examination of the Pharmacy Examining Board of Canada; or 3. Another examination approved by the College’s Council. In October 2011, the Registration Committee had approved a policy allowing former pharmacy assistants who had unsuccessfully attempted the Pharmacy Technician Evaluating Examination before the January 1, 2012 and were still eligible for another attempt to continue to pursue registration through this route.

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GOOD CHARACTER All applicants must meet the good character requirement. Applicants must also confirm that there is no reason to believe that he or she will not practise the profession with decency, honesty and integrity, in a safe manner and competently. Policy: Reported Minor Offences First approved: April 2011 Revised: November 2016 Reviewed: November 2016 As of December 2010, all applicants are required to declare that their past and present conduct demonstrates they are of good character .

Policy An applicant who reports an offence deemed to be minor but who otherwise meets all registration requirements will be granted a certificate of registration, at the discretion of College staff, provided the circumstances related to the matter do not provide any doubt as to the applicant’s suitability to become a member of the College.

Process An applicant who has reported in their online application or on a Declaration of Good Character a finding of guilt, or that he or she is the subject of a current proceeding, for any offence will be asked to provide additional information. College staff will review the application and supporting material, and decide whether this policy can be applied. The applicant will be notified of the outcome within five to 10 business days.

Decision Criteria This policy is only applicable where the offence which the applicant has committed or been charged with:

1. Relates to a matter which, if convicted, could not result in imprisonment; and 2. Is, in the opinion of the Registrar, not relevant to the suitability of the applicant to become a

member of the College.

Possible Outcomes

Offence deemed to be minor The applicant will be granted a certificate of registration, and a notation that this policy was applied will be recorded on the applicant’s file.

Offence not deemed to be minor The application will be referred to a panel of the Registration Committee for consideration of the suitability of the applicant to become a member of the College.

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LANGUAGE PROFICIENCY The practice of pharmacy requires direct contact with patients, other health professionals and the College, and the ability to provide and follow verbal and written instructions. An applicant must provide evidence of his or her ability to communicate and comprehend either English or French, both orally and in writing. Policy: Language Proficiency Requirements at Registration for All Applicants Approved: February 2016 Revised: November 2016 Reviewed: November 2016

This policy defines the language proficiency requirements approved by the Registration Committee that demonstrate the applicant’s ability to communicate and comprehend either English or French, both orally and in writing.

Policy The College applies the language proficiency standards established by NAPRA.

Process An applicant will note on the application provided by the College if he/she is currently enrolled in or a graduate of a program accredited by the Canadian Council for the Accreditation of Pharmacy Programs (CCAPP) or a pharmacy degree program accredited by the Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education (ACPE), or the name and date of the language proficiency test taken. College staff will verify the applicant’s enrollment, graduation or language proficiency test results, and record or attach this information in the applicant’s file. In most cases, the application will be processed within five to 10 business days. Language proficiency test scores are only valid for two years from the date of the test.

Decision Criteria An applicant will have met the College’s language proficiency requirements if:

• The applicant is a student or graduate of a pharmacy degree program that was accredited by the CCAPP or ACPE while the applicant was attending the program; or

• The pharmacy technician applicant is a graduate of a CCAPP-accredited pharmacy technician program whose language proficiency admission criteria meets the NAPRA requirements for pharmacy technicians or scores on the Test de français pour étudiants et stagiaires au Canada (TESTCan) equivalent to those required on the Canadian Test of English for Scholars and Trainees (CanTEST); or

• The applicant submits current language proficiency test scores that meet the minimum acceptable scores as determined by NAPRA; or

• The applicant submits current language proficiency test scores that fall below the minimum acceptable, applicable scores but are within the SEM as determined by NAPRA; or

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• The pharmacy technician applicant submits current TESTCan scores that meet the minimum acceptable CanTEST scores as determined by NAPRA for pharmacy technicians.

Possible Outcomes

Language proficiency requirements met: The applicant will be registered provided all of the other registration requirements have been met.

Language proficiency requirements not met: The application will be considered under the criteria established in the College’s Non-Objective Evidence of Language Proficiency Policy or the Extending the Validity of Language Proficiency Test Scores Policy.

Additional references • NAPRA Language Proficiency Requirements for License as a Pharmacist in Canada • NAPRA Language Proficiency Requirements for Licensure as a Pharmacy Technician in Canada • Canadian Test of English for Scholars and Trainees (CanTEST) • Test de français pour étudiants et stagiaires au Canada (TESTCan) • Non-Objective Evidence of Language Proficiency Policy • Extending the Validity of Language Proficiency Test Scores Policy

Policy: Non-Objective Evidence of Language Proficiency First approved: May 2015 Revised: November 2016 Reviewed: November 2016 Applicants who are not enrolled in, or did not graduate from, a pharmacy program accredited by the Canadian Council for the Accreditation of Pharmacy Programs (CCAPP) or a pharmacy degree program accredited by the Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education (ACPE) while the applicant was attending the program must provide current, acceptable language proficiency test scores. This policy allows these applicants to provide other evidence of their English or French proficiency for consideration, and defines the type and extent of non-objective evidence of language proficiency that may be acceptable without referring the application to a panel of the Registration Committee.

Policy The College accepts alternatives to the requirements established as evidence of language proficiency for international pharmacy graduates, international pharmacy technician applicants and former pharmacy assistants who wish to become regulated pharmacy technicians.

Process An applicant who is not enrolled in or a graduate of a pharmacy program accredited by CCAPP or a pharmacy degree program accredited by ACPE while the applicant was attending the program and who wishes to meet the College’s language proficiency registration requirement through non-objective evidence of their language proficiency must submit at least TWO of the four following types of evidence in the same language:

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• Successful completion of professional pharmacy education in a majority English or French country; • Pharmacy work employment in a majority English or French country in a similar role or scope of

practice as application; • Successful completion of the four final years of school in Canada to become eligible to apply for

university or college; or • Successful completion of an undergraduate university degree in Canada. Guidance on the documentation required for each type of NOE is available in the Decision Criteria below. College staff will review and, if necessary, verify the documentation. The supporting documentation needed to assess the applicant’s language proficiency will be recorded in the applicant’s file. Once the required documentation has been received, the file will be reviewed to determine if the NOE meets the decision criteria for this policy. In most cases, the decision will be made within five to 10 business days of receipt of all of the required documentation. The decision will be recorded in the applicant’s file. Applicants who meet the language proficiency requirements through this policy will see this validated in their online member profile; only applicants who do not meet the language proficiency requirements will be directly notified.

Decision Criteria Each type of non-objective evidence will be accepted if it satisfies the following specific decision criteria. 1. Successful completion of professional pharmacy education if

• Degree/diploma was completed in a majority English or French language country (1) and • Documentation (2) submitted for the individual applicant directly from the pharmacy program

confirms: o Theoretical and clinical instruction, and patient care experience were provided in English

or French while the applicant attended program; and o Program was delivered in class (not online or by distance education), and was a

minimum two years of full time study. 2. Pharmacy work employment in a similar role or scope of practice as the final application as a

pharmacist or pharmacy technician if: • Practice was completed in a majority English or French language country; and • Documentation (3) submitted for the individual applicant directly from the employer confirms:

o Direct patient care and collaboration with other health professionals were provided in English or French;

o The applicant is able to communicate and comprehend effectively, both orally and in writing, in either English or French.

3. Successful completion of the four final years of school in Canada to become eligible to apply for university or college if documentation (4) submitted for the individual applicant directly from the school(s) or school board confirms the applicant successfully completed four consecutive, first language English or French credits/courses. Courses may be part of a Collège d'enseignement général et professionnel (CEGEP) in Quebec.

4. Successful completion of an undergraduate university degree in Canada if documentation (5) submitted for the individual applicant directly from the school(s) confirms the program was

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delivered in class (not online or by distance education), and was a minimum three years of full time study.

Possible Outcomes

Language proficiency requirements met: The applicant will be registered provided all of the other registration requirements have been met.

Language proficiency requirements not met: The application will be referred to a panel of the Registration Committee for further consideration of other evidence of the applicant’s English or French proficiency. Alternatively, the applicant may choose to submit acceptable language proficiency test scores.

Footnotes: 1. A majority English or French language country is one where the primary official language is

English or French. The College will confirm this in the following resources: • Australian Government Department of Education and Training Country Education Profiles (CEP)

Online (subscription required) • CIA World Factbook Languages Country Comparison to the World (official languages) • Government of Alberta Jobs, Skills, Training and Labour International Education Guides • Netherlands organisation for international cooperation in higher education (Nuffic) Country

Modules

2. The letter sent directly from the pharmacy school to OCP must confirm that all of the lectures, examinations, assignments, laboratories and experiential placements required by the program were exclusively delivered in either English or French while the applicant attended the program. Alternatively, the applicant or the program may submit course outlines or syllabi that were current while the applicant was attending the program and that list required and recommended text books and references published in either English or French.

3. The letter sent directly from the applicant’s employer to OCP must describe the applicant’s role or scope or practice in that workplace, and their English or French fluency when communicating with staff, patients and other health professionals. In addition, the letter may confirm if the language of written and spoken business in that workplace was either English or French, and if communication with the pharmacy regulatory body (which should be specified in the letter) is in either English or French. The letter must also include the start and end dates of the applicant’s employment, the business name and address, and the writer’s current contact information.

4. The school or school board must provide an original or true copy of a transcript sent directly to OCP showing that the applicant had graduated with four consecutive, first language English or French credits. English or French as a Second Language credits/courses are not acceptable evidence for this policy.

Alternatively, the school or school board may provide a letter sent directly to OCP confirming that the applicant graduated from secondary school, and had successfully completed four consecutive, first language English or French credits.

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The Ontario Ministry of Education website tells applicants how to get an official transcript from the secondary school they attended.

5. The university must provide an official transcript or letter sent directly from the university to OCP.

Policy: Extending the Validity of Language Proficiency Test Scores First approved: April 2006 Revised: November 2016 Reviewed: November 2016 All applicants who meet the language proficiency requirement through a language proficiency test are required to possess valid scores at the time of his or her initial registration and, if applicable, when progressing to the next class of registration. This policy allows for the extension of the validity of an applicant’s acceptable scores that have expired before he or she has completed all of the requirements for a subsequent certificate of registration (e.g., bridging education, structured practical training, or any of the required examinations) without having to undergo further objective language proficiency testing or review by a panel of the Registration Committee.

Policy The College will extend the validity of an applicant’s language proficiency test scores where the applicant meets the Decision Criteria. An extension is valid for a period of no more than one year.

Process The applicant will advise College staff when they submit their application that their language proficiency test scores will require extension. College staff will review the applicant’s file, and decide whether the applicant meets the criteria for an extension. The applicant will be notified of the outcome of the review within five business days.

Decision Criteria The validity of an applicant’s language proficiency test scores will be extended without referral to a panel of the Registration Committee where:

1. The applicant is actively engaged in or has recently successfully completed the required or approved education or training requirements related to becoming registered as a pharmacist or pharmacy technician;

2. The original test scores meet the NAPRA language proficiency requirements for pharmacists or pharmacy technicians as applicable;

3. The original test scores have expired within the past two years; and 4. In the opinion of the Registrar, there is no other evidence to suggest the applicant is not

sufficiently proficient in English or French to be a member of the College.

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Possible Outcomes

Language proficiency test scores extended The validity of the test scores will be extended for up to one year from the original expiry date to allow the applicant to fulfill the remaining registration requirements without having to wait for a panel of the Registration Committee to review their application. A notation of the extended expiry date will be made on the applicant’s record. If a second extension is required, and the applicant continues to meet the decision criteria, the validity of the test scores will be extended for up to one additional year to allow the applicant to fulfill the remaining registration requirements without having to wait for a panel of the Registration Committee to review their application. A notation of the extended expiry date will be made on the applicant’s record.

Language proficiency test scores not extended The application will be referred to a panel of the Registration Committee for review, or the applicant may choose to submit current, acceptable test scores.

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JURISPRUDENCE EXAMINATION Pharmacist applicants and pharmacy technician applicants must demonstrate their current knowledge and ability to interpret legislation that impacts on current pharmacy practice.

Administration The Jurisprudence Examination is administered at several sites in Ontario and across Canada. Consistent invigilation is provided by invigilators who are neither pharmacists nor pharmacy technicians, and are not able or permitted to provide assistance with the content of the Exam. A lead invigilator designated by the College is appointed at each site. The lead invigilator will coordinate and oversee the site during the administration of the Examination, and address any concerns raised by candidates regarding the administration process. In small examination sites, one or more of the invigilators may share the responsibilities of the lead invigilator. Policy: Jurisprudence Examination Testing Accommodation First approved: October 2013 Revised: Reviewed: November 2016 The Ontario Human Rights Code requires examination candidates to be provided testing accommodations in accordance with the Code to the point of “undue hardship”. This policy outlines how College staff manages requests for testing accommodations.

Policy The College will apply its Guidelines for Testing Accommodation for Jurisprudence Examination candidates with a documented disability in accordance with the Ontario Human Rights Code to the point of “undue hardship”.

Process A candidate who seeks testing accommodation due to a disability must provide a written request no less than six weeks before the Examination according to the process outlined in the Guidelines. College staff will review the application and supporting documentation, and may request additional information before deciding whether this policy can be applied and if reasonable testing accommodations can be provided. Where testing accommodations are to be provided to the candidate, College staff will notify the (lead) invigilator of the examination administration site of the accommodations to be provided for the specific candidate.

Decision Criteria A candidate’s request for testing accommodations will be accepted if the requirements outlined in the Guidelines are met.

Possible Outcomes

Guidelines are met The candidate will be provided with reasonable testing accommodations in accordance with the terms of the Ontario Human Rights Code.

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Guidelines are not met The College may request an independent assessment of the candidate’s testing needs if warranted. If the Guidelines are not met, the candidate will not be provided with testing accommodations.

Additional references • Ontario Human Rights Code • Ontario College of Pharmacists’ Customer Services Policy

Policy: Jurisprudence Examination Administration Appeals First approved: October 2011 Revised: November 2016 Reviewed: November 2016 The College tries to ensure that Jurisprudence Examination sites meet specific criteria with respect to a quiet and appropriate exam environment. This policy outlines how administrative appeals on the Jurisprudence Exam will be managed.

Policy A Jurisprudence Exam candidate may file an appeal based on examination administration conditions that were not resolved to his or her satisfaction before or during the examination. Such appeals do not apply to the content or methodology of the Examination.

Process If a candidate experiences less than optimal conditions during the administration of the examination,. the candidate should bring any concerns about the administration of the examination to an invigilator’s attention before or during the examination process. In large examination sites, such concerns should be referred to the lead invigilator.

Candidate Prior to leaving the examination room, the candidate wishing to file an appeal must complete and submit a written report using the approved form. The candidate’s report will identify the reason(s) for the appeal request, including the details of the condition(s) considered by the candidate to have had a negative effect on his or her performance, and how the issue was addressed by the (lead) invigilator.

Invigilator The invigilator who addressed the candidate’s concerns will add a description of the incident to the appeal form, including the steps taken to address the concerns raised by the candidate. The invigilator will immediately submit the report to the College.

College staff College staff will gather additional information as necessary, and review with the (lead) invigilator how any relevant processes and procedures were followed if required.

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Decision criteria This policy is only applicable where the condition(s) cited by the candidate:

1. Would reasonably affect the candidate’s performance on the examination; 2. Can be confirmed by the (lead) invigilator or other independent means; and 3. Could reasonably be resolved by the (lead) invigilator.

Possible outcomes

Successful Appeal If the appeal is granted, the candidate will be given a “No Standing” on the examination administration. The candidate will be allowed to take the following examination at no cost.

Unsuccessful Appeal If it is confirmed that appropriate measures were taken by the invigilator(s) when the candidate raised his or her concerns, no further action will be taken. The candidate’s result on the examination will stand. Policy: Jurisprudence Examination Re-Scoring First approved: October 2011 Revised: N o v e m b e r 2 0 1 6 Reviewed: November 2016 The Jurisprudence Examination is offered in a multiple choice format whereby a candidate records his or her answers in pencil by filling in bubbles on a machine-readable answer sheet provided by the College which is computer scanned to determine a candidate’s exam score. Extraneous markings on the machine-readable answer sheet, omissions or coding issues may result in an error in the tabulation of the total score. This policy outlines how College staff manages requests for re-scoring.

Policy A Jurisprudence Exam candidate who is unsuccessful on the Examination may request a re-scoring of the examination answer sheet to confirm the exam score. Such requests do not apply to the content or methodology of the examination.

Process The candidate must complete the Request for Re-Scoring of Answer Sheet form provided to candidates upon their request, and submit it with the appropriate fee within 30 days of the release of the examination results. An external psychometrician consultant will review the answer sheet to detect any markings or erasures that may have caused coding issues. A report of the psychometrician’s findings will be provided to the College, and to the candidate.

Decision criteria A re-scoring request will be granted if the request was:

1. Documented on the designated form;

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2. Received by the deadline; and 3. Accompanied by the required fee.

Possible outcomes

Total Score Adjusted If extraneous markings, omissions or coding issues are detected and resulted in an error in the tabulation of the total score, the candidate’s total score will be adjusted. The re-scoring fee will be refunded to the candidate.

No Adjustment to Total Score If no extraneous markings, omissions or coding issues are detected and the total score is confirmed as correct, the candidate’s total score on the Examination will stand.

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STRUCTURED PRACTICAL TRAINING

Interns, registered pharmacy students and pharmacy technician applicants (“preceptees”) must successfully complete the relevant training registration requirement. The College’s Structured Practical Training (SPT) Programs and Structured Practical Evaluation (SPE) Program guide the applicant’s transition to independent practice, and create opportunities for the applicant to demonstrate his or her competency for evaluation by a pharmacist or pharmacy technician preceptor. This evaluation of a preceptee’s competency is done comprehensively and readily by active practitioners in actual practice settings. The preceptee’s competency must be evaluated in an objective, fair and transparent manner.

Policy: SPT Preceptor Criteria First approved: February 2009 (students & interns); July 2009 (technician applicants) Revised: November 2016 Approved: November 2016 This policy defines who the Registration Committee has determined may be an approved preceptor for the College’s Structured Practical Training (SPT) Program.

Policy Structured Practical Training (SPT) preceptors must be an experienced practitioner, good role model, and objective evaluator, and have met the training requirements.

Process The applicant must submit an SPT application specifying a proposed preceptor. College staff will review the proposed preceptor’s eligibility to be a preceptor, and either process the application or request further information before deciding if the pharmacist or pharmacy technician meets the Decision Criteria to act as a preceptor. The applicant and proposed preceptor will be notified of the outcome of the review within 10 business days. In cases where a preceptee wishes to have two co-preceptors supervise his or her SPT, the applicant must contact College staff and provide an explanation why he or she wishes to have two co-preceptors. If this request for two co-preceptors is approved, this policy will apply to both co-preceptors. During the training period, the preceptor(s) may delegate secondary supervision of the preceptee to another pharmacist or, for pharmacy technician applicants only, to another pharmacy technician. This policy does not apply to those secondary supervising pharmacists and pharmacy technicians.

Decision criteria

Experienced practitioner The proposed SPT preceptor must have been registered and practicing in a similar scope of practice in a Canadian jurisdiction for at least one year as a:

1. Pharmacist providing patient care, or 2. Pharmacy technician engaged in their full scope of practice.

Pharmacy technician preceptors may only supervise the training of a pharmacy technician applicant.

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Good role model The proposed SPT preceptor must:

1. Be a member in good standing with the College without any terms, conditions or limitations on his/her certificate of registration, other than those applicable to all members of the class in which the preceptor holds a certificate of registration;

2. Have not, within the last six years, been: a. found to have committed an act of professional misconduct; b. determined to be incompetent; or c. to have been found to be incapacitated;

3. Not currently be the subject of any allegations of professional misconduct, incompetence, or incapacity that have been referred to, but not yet decided, by the Discipline or Fitness to Practise Committee (as appropriate);

4. Be practising for a minimum of 18 hours per week in their relevant scope of practice in Ontario; and

5. Practises in a setting that meets the SPT/SPE Practice Site Criteria.

Objective evaluator The proposed SPT preceptor must:

1. Only directly supervise one SPT preceptee at a time. An SPT preceptor may be a concurrent evaluator for the College’s Structured Practical Evaluation program for pharmacy technician applicants;

2. Directly supervise the preceptee for a minimum of 18 hours per week; and 3. Not have a conflict of interest (e.g., direct or indirect familial relationship, financial or business

connection) with the preceptee that may compromise the validity of the assessment process.

Trained preceptor The proposed SPT preceptor must:

1. Have successfully completed within the past three years the preceptor training requirements specified by College staff (e.g., recognized online preceptor training modules);

2. Be currently qualified to be a preceptor for the: • University of Toronto, Leslie Dan Faculty of Pharmacy - Advanced Pharmacy Practice

Experience (APPE) rotations • University of Waterloo, School of Pharmacy – Fourth-year direct patient care rotations;

or 3. Have been actively engaged as a preceptor and successfully completed any additional preceptor

training requirements specified by College staff.

Possible outcomes

SPT Preceptor Criteria met If the proposed SPT preceptor meets the Decision Criteria, the application will be processed and the applicant will be notified within 10 business days.

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SPT Preceptor Criteria not met If the proposed SPT preceptor does not meet the Decision Criteria due to an actual or perceived conflict of interest with, or bias related to, the preceptee, the application will be considered under the College’s SPT and SPE Conflict of Interest Policy. If the proposed SPT preceptor does not meet all of the Decision Criteria, the applicant will be notified within 10 business days. If the applicant chooses not to find another preceptor, the proposed preceptor may request further consideration by a panel of the Registration Committee.

Additional references • Structured Practical Training • Information for Preceptors • SPT/SPE Practice Site Criteria • SPT and SPE Conflict of Interest Policy • Ontario Human Rights Code

Policy: SPE Evaluator Criteria First approved: July 2009 Revised: November 2016 Reviewed: November 2016 This policy defines who may be an evaluator for the College’s Structured Practical Evaluation (SPE) Program. For the purpose of SPE, “evaluators” are considered equivalent to preceptors.

Policy Structured Practical Evaluation (SPE) evaluators must be good role models; able to provide an objective evaluation of the preceptee’s performance; and familiar with the College’s SPE Program’s objectives and processes.

Process The applicant must submit an SPE application specifying a proposed evaluator. College staff will review the proposed evaluator’s eligibility to be an evaluator, and either process the application or request further information before deciding if the pharmacist or pharmacy technician may be an evaluator. The applicant will be notified of the outcome of the review within 10 business days. During the training period, the evaluator may delegate secondary supervision of the preceptee to another pharmacy technician or pharmacist. This policy does not apply to those secondary supervising pharmacy technicians and pharmacists.

Decision Criteria

Good role model The proposed SPE evaluator must:

1. Be a member in good standing with the College without any terms, conditions or limitations on his/her certificate of registration, other than those applicable to all members of the class in

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which the preceptor holds a certificate of registration; 2. Have not within the last six years been:

a. found to have committed an act of professional misconduct; b. determined to be incompetent; or c. to have been found to be incapacitated;

3. Not currently be the subject of any allegations of professional misconduct, incompetence, or incapacity that have been referred to, but not yet decided, by the Discipline or Fitness to Practise Committee (as appropriate);

4. Be practising for a minimum of 18 hours per week in their relevant scope of practice in Ontario; and

5. Practise in a setting that meets the SPT/SPE Practice Site Criteria.

Objective evaluator The proposed SPE evaluator must:

1. Be able to be primarily responsible for directly supervising and assessing the preceptee for the majority of the SPE process; and

2. Not have a conflict of interest (e.g., direct or indirect familial relationship, financial or business connection) with the preceptee that may compromise the validity of the assessment process.

3. An evaluator may supervise more than one SPE preceptee at the same time. An SPE evaluator may concurrently supervise one SPT preceptee.

Trained evaluator The proposed SPE evaluator must have reviewed the College’s online SPE evaluator training materials within the past three years.

Possible outcomes

SPE Evaluator Criteria met If the proposed evaluator meets the Decision Criteria, the application will be processed and the applicant will be notified within 10 business days.

SPE Evaluator Criteria not met If the proposed evaluator does not meet the Decision Criteria due to an actual or perceived conflict of interest with or bias related to the preceptee, the application will be considered under the criteria established in the College’s SPT and SPE Conflict of Interest Policy. If the proposed evaluator does not meet the Decision Criteria, the applicant will be notified within 10 business days. If the applicant chooses not to find another evaluator, the proposed evaluator may request further consideration by a panel of the Registration Committee.

Additional references • Structured Practical Evaluation • Information for Evaluators • SPT/SPE Practice Site Criteria • SPT and SPE Conflict of Interest Policy • Ontario Human Rights Code

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Policy: SPT/SPE Practice Site Criteria First approved: September 1999 (students & interns); July 2009 (technician applicants) Revised: November 2016 Reviewed: November 2016 This policy defines where Structured Practical Training (SPT) and Structured Practical Evaluation (SPE) may be completed.

Policy Structured Practical Training (SPT) and Structured Practical Evaluation (SPE) must be completed at a practice site that allows the preceptee to practise within their full scope of practice, and to demonstrate all relevant NAPRA entry-to-practice competencies. The practice site must provide a positive example of practice, and allow for an objective evaluation of the preceptee’s performance.

Process The applicant must submit an SPT or SPE application specifying a proposed practice site. College staff will review the proposed site’s eligibility to be a training site, and either process the application or request further information from the proposed SPT preceptor or SPE evaluator before deciding if the practice site is suitable for SPT or SPE. The applicant and the SPT preceptor or SPE evaluator will be notified of the outcome of the review within 10 business days. In cases where a preceptee wishes to complete their training at two practice sites, the applicant must list both proposed practice sites on his or her SPT or SPE application, and provide an explanation why he or she wishes to practise at two sites. College staff will consider the request, and may request additional information. If the request is approved, this policy will apply to both practice sites.

Decision criteria

Full scope of practice The proposed practice site must:

1. Provide direct patient care by pharmacists; 2. Have an active patient counselling program.

The proposed practice site must:

1. Have a pharmacist or a pharmacy technician physically present; and 2. Be where dispensing, selling or compounding occurs.

NAPRA Entry-to-Practice Competencies The proposed practice site must provide sufficient practice opportunities for the preceptee to complete all of the activities required in the SPT or SPE programs.

Positive example of practice The proposed practice site must:

1. Be an accredited pharmacy or hospital pharmacy in Ontario, or, for pharmacy students and interns, another other site in Ontario where pharmacists provide direct patient care;

2. Have no unsatisfied order or action by the Accreditation Committee; and

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3. Have not had a disciplinary finding against it in the past six years or not currently be the subject of disciplinary proceedings.

Objective evaluation The proposed practice site must:

1. Not have any party associated with the site who has a conflict of interest (e.g., direct or indirect familial relationship, financial or business connection) with the preceptee that may compromise the validity of the assessment process; and

2. Have an organizational structure that permits an appropriate degree of one-to-one interaction between the preceptee and the preceptor or evaluator (e.g., sufficient staffing and resources).

Possible outcomes

Practice Site Criteria met If the proposed practice site meets the Decision Criteria, the application will be processed and the applicant will be notified within 10 business days.

Practice Site Criteria not met If the proposed practice site does not meet the Decision Criteria due to an actual or perceived conflict of interest with or bias related to the preceptee, the application will be considered under the criteria established in the College’s SPT and SPE Conflict of Interest Policy. If the proposed practice site does not meet the Decision Criteria due to it being a specialty practice site that cannot provide sufficient practice opportunities for the preceptee to complete all of the activities required in the SPT program, College staff will consider a subsequent request to accept this proposed practice site as one of two practice sites where the preceptee will complete their training. If the proposed practice site does not meet the Decision Criteria, the applicant and the SPT preceptor or SPE evaluator will be notified within 10 business days. If the applicant chooses not to find another practice site, the applicant, preceptor or evaluator may request further consideration by a panel of the Registration Committee. Policy: SPT and SPE Conflict of Interest First approved: November 2012 Revised: November 2016 Reviewed: November 2016 The relationship between a preceptor or evaluator and their preceptee must allow for a fair, objective, impartial and transparent assessment of the preceptee’s performance to ensure that the preceptee has demonstrated their competency and ability to practise safely and effectively. This policy defines when and how an applicant may complete their Structured Practical Training (SPT) or Structured Practical Evaluation (SPE) in a practice site where the applicant has a familial relationship. Any potential conflict of interest or bias must be initially disclosed by the applicant and the proposed preceptor or evaluator to determine if further consideration or monitoring is needed before the training may begin. Failure to disclose any actual or perceived conflict of interest or bias may result in

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a referral to a panel of the Registration Committee. In the case of an undeclared conflict of interest, a panel has the authority to decide that the preceptee must redo their SPT or SPE under a preceptor or evaluator who meets the SPT Preceptor Criteria or the SPE Evaluator Criteria, and to restrict the initial pharmacist or pharmacy technician from acting as a future preceptor or evaluator.

Policy An applicant who discloses a familial relationship at the proposed SPT or SPE practice site prior to the start of their training, and where the relationship is not directly with the proposed preceptor or evaluator, may be allowed to complete their SPT or SPE under the supervision of that preceptor or evaluator at the discretion of College staff.

Process The applicant and proposed preceptor or evaluator must disclose on the application any potential conflict of interest or bias. The applicant, proposed preceptor or evaluator, and the applicant’s family member who is a member of the pharmacy staff at the proposed practice site will be asked to provide additional information to assist in deciding if this policy may be applied. College staff will review the application and supporting material to decide whether the relationship would be considered a conflict of interest or bias, and if that conflict of interest or bias can be managed by specific monitoring of the rotation. A notation of the application of this policy will be recorded on the preceptee’s file. The applicant will be notified of the outcome within five to 10 business days.

Decision criteria This policy is only applicable where:

1. The reported conflict of interest relates to a familial relationship between the preceptee and another member of the pharmacy staff;

2. The familial relationship is not between the preceptee and the proposed preceptor or evaluator; 3. All relevant parties have clearly acknowledged their awareness of the process they will follow to

minimize the potential impact of the conflict of interest or bias on the proposed training and assessment; and

4. A registration advisor will be able to closely monitor the training, and have regular direct contact with both the preceptee and proposed preceptor or evaluator.

Possible Outcomes

Decision criteria are met The preceptee will be allowed to complete his or her training under the supervision of the proposed preceptor or evaluator. The preceptee and preceptor or evaluator will be required to comply with any monitoring requirements requested by the registration advisors to ensure the training is carried out in a manner that provides for fair, objective, impartial and transparent assessment.

Decision criteria are not met The applicant, the preceptor or the evaluator may requet further consideration by a panel of the Registration Committee. The panel may request additional information from the parties.

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Policy: Part-Time Completion of Structured Practical Training First approved: April 2011 Revised: November 2016 Reviewed: November 2016 This policy defines the two part-time models for Structured Practical Training (SPT) that the Registration Committee has approved:

• ¾ time SPT model – 24 hours per week for a minimum of 18 weeks • ½ time SPT model – 18 hours per week for a minimum of 24 weeks

The preceptor must supervise the preceptee for a minimum of 18 hours per week in the full-time SPT program and both part-time SPT models.

Policy An applicant may complete the SPT program on a three-quarter or half-time basis.

Process The applicant who wishes to complete his or her SPT on a part-time basis must choose the part-time model they wish to follow on his or her initial SPT application. The part-time schedule and longer duration of training will be included in the training request that the proposed preceptor receives. The preceptor’s acceptance of the training request will confirm his or her willingness to accommodate the part-time schedule. A preceptee who wishes to modify his or her SPT time commitments after starting training must submit a request in writing prior to changing his or her schedule. College staff will consider the request, and may request additional information, including a record or schedule of the actual training time already completed by the preceptee, and the preceptor’s assessment of the preceptee’s progress to date. The applicant or preceptee will be notified of the decision within five to 10 business days.

Decision Criteria SPT may be completed on a part-time basis if:

1. The proposed preceptor has agreed to accommodate the part-time or revised schedule; 2. The proposed schedule meets the minimum training and supervision time requirements for the

selected model; and 3. The SPT Preceptor Criteria and the SPT/SPE Practice Site Criteria are met.

Possible Outcomes

Part-time SPT allowed The applicant will be allowed to commence his or her SPT on a part-time basis, or to modify his or her schedule to a part-time model, and the preceptee’s Training Portal file will be adjusted to reflect the relevant model.

Part-time SPT not allowed In the case of exceptional circumstances, the applicant or preceptee’s request will be referred to a panel of the Registration Committee.

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Policy: Extension of Validity of Structured Practical Evaluation for Pharmacy Technician Applicants Practising in a Hospital Pharmacy First approved: August 2013 Revised: November 2016 Reviewed: November 2016 This policy allows College staff to be able to extend the validity of Structured Practical Evaluation (SPE) for former pharmacy assistants who wish to become regulated pharmacy technicians and who have not been able to complete the registration process within two years after successfully completing the registration training requirement without having to be referred to a panel of the Registration Committee to consider if they have maintained the currency of their knowledge, skills and judgment

Policy A former pharmacy assistant working within the pharmacy technician’s scope of practice in a hospital pharmacy and who has met all of the registration requirements but whose Structured Practical Evaluation (SPE) validity has expired may proceed with registration without having to be referred to a panel of the Registration Committee.

Process The pharmacy technician applicant must provide a letter from his or her current hospital employer confirming that the applicant has continued to engage in the double check activity. College staff will review the application and supporting material to decide whether this policy can be applied. If this policy can be applied, the applicant’s profile will be updated with the new expiry date for their SPE. The applicant will be notified of the outcome within five to 10 business days.

Decision Criteria This policy is only applicable where:

1. The applicant is currently practising in a hospital pharmacy within their full scope of practice; 2. The applicant has met or is eligible to meet the remaining registration requirements within the

next three months; and 3. In the opinion of the Registrar, there is no reason to believe that the applicant cannot safely

practise within their scope of practice.

Possible Outcomes

Validity of SPE extended The applicant must register as a pharmacy technician immediately once he or she has met all of the registration requirements.

Validity of SPE not extended The application will be referred to a panel of the Registration Committee.

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PRACTICE ASSESSMENT OF COMPETENCE AT ENTRY (PACE) Practice Assessment of Competence at Entry (PACE) is a new approach the College is introducing to assess applicants’ readiness for practice. In PACE, a candidate’s ability to demonstrate their entry-to-practice competence in a practice setting is assessed. Following assessment, guidance will be offered to candidates with identified practice performance gaps to support appropriate individualized development prior to re-assessment. The practice registration requirement is met when a candidate demonstrates entry-to-practice competence to the validated standard. Candidates engage in practice under the supervision of a College trained and appointed assessor who directly observes them over a specified period of time. Following pilot implementation and evaluation, PACE is expected to replace the College’s current Structured Practical Training (SPT) program as the approved practice registration requirement for all applicants.

Policy: Acceptance of the College’s Practice Assessment of Competence at Entry (PACE) for Intern-Level Structured Practical Training Approved: February 2016 Revised: November 2016 Reviewed: November 2016 Pharmacist applicants are currently required to demonstrate their entry-to-practice competency at the student-level and then at the intern-level. The College’s Structured Practical Training (SPT) Program was designed as a graduated system of development and assessment with the expectation that a candidate who has successfully completed SPT Internship has demonstrated their readiness for practice as a pharmacist. Students and interns have the same scope of practice, and perform the same professional activities in PACE to demonstrate that they have met the entry-to-practice competencies for the profession. The assessment tool and benchmark for successful completion of PACE are identical for both students and interns. This policy recognizes that a candidate who has successfully completed the College’s Practice Assessment of Competence at Entry (PACE) while registered as a student has also met the intern-level practical training requirement.

Policy An applicant who has successfully completed the College’s Practice Assessment of Competence at Entry (PACE) while registered as a student will have met the structured practical training requirement for pharmacist registration despite not being registered as an intern at the time.

Process The candidate will undertake PACE while registered as a student. The College will review the PACE assessor’s ratings to determine if the candidate has demonstrated competence.

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Decision Criteria This policy is only applicable where the applicant:

1. Was registered as a student; and 2. Has successfully completed PACE.

Possible Outcomes

SPT Internship requirement met The candidate will move forward in the pharmacist registration process.

SPT Internship requirement not met The candidate will be required to complete development and then reattempt PACE while registered as an intern until successfully completed.

Additional references • Practice Assessment of Competence at Entry (PACE) - Key Initiatives • Structured Practical Training • Student Registration for International Pharmacy Graduates Who Pass Both Parts of the PEBC

Qualifying Exam for Pharmacists on Their First Attempt policy

Policy: Practice Assessment of Competence at Entry (PACE) Assessors Approved: February 2016 Revised: November 2016 Reviewed: In the Regulations under the Pharmacy Act, students and interns must complete structured practical training under the supervision of a preceptor. Practice Assessment of Competence at Entry (PACE) is expected to replace the College’s current Structured Practical Training (SPT) program as the practice registration requirement for all applicants. For the purpose of PACE, preceptors are identified as “assessors” to emphasize their primary role in assessing a candidate’s performance to determine if they are competent for entry-to-practice as a pharmacist in Ontario. This policy defines who may be appointed to be a PACE assessor.

Policy A pharmacist who has demonstrated that they have the appropriate experience, conduct, practice, objectivity, training and commitment will be eligible and qualify to be a College-appointed assessor for the Practice Assessment of Competence at Entry (PACE). PACE assessors must continue to meet the decision criteria of this policy and demonstrate their competence as an assessor to maintain their appointment.

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Process Pharmacists who are interested in becoming an assessor for PACE will submit an application form that the College will provide. College staff will review the application and notify the pharmacist within 10 business days if they are eligible to be a PACE assessor. These pharmacists will be required to complete the College’s Assessor Training to qualify to be a PACE assessor. If two pharmacists practising at the same practice site wish to share the responsibility and time commitment for assessing a PACE candidate, both pharmacists must apply and be approved to be PACE assessors. Their request to be co-assessors must be included on their application form and confirmed each time they are matched with a PACE candidate. This policy will apply to both co-assessors.

Decision criteria 1. A proposed assessor will be considered eligible to be an assessor if:

i. They are a pharmacist who a) Has been registered and practicing in the scope of practice in a Canadian jurisdiction for at least

two years as a pharmacist providing patient care; b) Provides direct patient care for a minimum of 24 hours per week; and c) Incorporates continuing professional development into their practice; and

ii. They demonstrate appropriate conduct and are fit for practice by being a member in good standing with the College

a) Without any terms, conditions or limitations on their certificate of registration other than those applicable to all pharmacists in Part A of the Register; and

b) Meets the Standards of Practice and Code of Ethics; and iii. They are able to provide an objective assessment of a candidate through their

a) Understanding of the role of the College in serving and protecting the public; and b) Agreement to declare any actual or perceived conflict of interest or bias with a candidate with

whom they may be matched; and iv. They practise in a site that is conducive to the assessment of competence where

a) The site is an accredited community or hospital pharmacy in Ontario that has a positive accreditation history with the College;

b) The site provides sufficient practice opportunities for the candidate to engage in the scope of practice of the profession and demonstrate the relevant entry-to-practice competencies; and

c) The site’s organizational structure permits an appropriate degree of side-by-side interaction between the candidate and the assessor (e.g., sufficient staffing and resources).

2. A proposed assessor will qualify to be an assessor if they also:

i. Complete the College’s Assessor Training, and any further training as required by the College; and

ii. Commit to: a) Abiding by the College’s PACE Assessor Manual, Code of Conduct for PACE Assessors, and

Confidentiality Requirement for PACE Assessors; and b) Engaging and maintaining competence in using the Ontario Pharmacy Patient Care Assessment

Tool (OPPCAT).

Possible Outcomes

PACE Assessor Criteria met The pharmacist will be appointed to be a PACE assessor.

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PACE Assessor Criteria not met The pharmacist will not be appointed to be a PACE assessor. Pharmacists seeking further consideration may request to have their application referred to a panel of the Registration Committee.

Additional references • Practice Assessment of Competence at Entry (PACE) - Key Initiatives • Ontario Human Rights Code

Policy: Practice Assessment of Competence at Entry (PACE) Administration Appeals Approved: May 2016 Revised: November 2016 Reviewed: November 2016 The College has set criteria for approving both PACE assessors and practice sites. This policy outlines how administrative appeals on the Practice Assessment of Competence at Entry (PACE) will be managed

Policy A PACE candidate may file an appeal based on procedural issues that were not resolved to his or her satisfaction during the assessment period. Such appeals do not apply to the content or methodology of the assessment process.

Process If a situation develops during the assessment period that a candidate believes may impact his/her performance, the candidate should inform their assessor and College staff in Registration Programs immediately about their concerns. If the situation is not resolved before the end of the assessment period, the candidate may file an appeal by completing the PACE Incident Report provided to candidates upon request and submitting it to the College. The PACE Incident Report must be submitted within one week of completion of the assessment and before the PACE results are released to the candidate. The candidate’s report will identify the details of the procedural issue(s) considered by the candidate to have had an impact on his/her performance, and how the issue was addressed by the assessor. College staff will review the report and gather additional information as necessary, and review if and how any relevant processes were followed and the concerns were addressed.

Decision Criteria This policy is only applicable where the condition(s) cited by the candidate:

1. Would reasonably affect the candidate’s performance; 2. Could not reasonably be resolved by the assessor and/or College Staff during the assessment

process 3. Can be confirmed through relevant processes and documentation

Possible Outcomes

Successful Appeal If the appeal is granted, the candidate will be permitted to complete an assessment with another assessor at the earliest opportunity.

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Unsuccessful Appeal If it is confirmed that appropriate measures were taken when the candidate raised the concerns and the incident could not have reasonably affected the candidate’s performance, the candidate’s assessment results will stand.

Additional references • Practice Assessment of Competence at Entry (PACE) - Key Initiatives • PACE Assessment criteria • PACE Assessors criteria

Policy: Practice Assessment of Competence at Entry (PACE) Re-Scoring Approved: May 2016 Revised: November 2016 Reviewed: November 2016 In the Practice Assessment of Competence at Entry (PACE), the candidate is assessed by a College-appointed assessor using a validated and standardized assessment tool. The assessor’s ratings are entered in an online portal and submitted to the College to determine if the candidate has met the set pass score for entry-to-practice competence. Since this process involves data entry and tabulation of scores, a candidate who has not met the pass score may request a review to ensure there were no errors made in these processes. This policy outlines how College staff manages requests for re-scoring.

Policy A PACE candidate who is unsuccessful in their assessment may request a re-scoring of the assessment tool to confirm the results. Re-scoring does not examine the content or methodology of the assessment process.

Process The candidate must complete the Request for PACE Re-Scoring form provided to candidates upon request, and submit it with the appropriate fee within 30 days of the release of the results. An external psychometrician consultant will review the assessment tool to confirm correct data entry and tabulation of results. A report of the psychometrician’s findings will be provided to the College and to the candidate.

Decision Criteria A re-scoring request will be granted if the request is:

1. Documented on the designated form 2. Accompanied by the required fee and 3. Received by the deadline

Possible Outcomes

Results adjusted If coding issues are detected and resulted in an error in the tabulation of the results, the candidate’s results will be adjusted. The re-scoring fee will be refunded to the candidate.

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No adjustment If no issues are detected and the results are confirmed as correct, the candidate’s result in PACE will stand.

Additional references • Practice Assessment of Competence at Entry (PACE) - Key Initiatives • PACE Assessment criteria • PACE Assessors criteria

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CERTIFICATES OF REGISTRATION

The registration requirements for each of the four classes of registration are set out in the Regulations. In certain situations, the Registration Committee may authorize College staff to issue a certificate of registration for applicants who meet specific requirements and whose applications would otherwise be referred to a panel of the Registration Committee. Policy: Intern Registration for the University of Toronto’s PharmD for Pharmacists Program First approved: May 2015 Revised: November 2016 Reviewed: November 2016 International pharmacy graduates enrolled in the University of Toronto’s PharmD for Pharmacists Program who have successfully completed the Pharmacy Examining Board of Canada’s Evaluating Exam for Pharmacists and meet the College’s language proficiency registration requirement may register as a student if they do not meet the decision criteria for this policy.

Policy Individuals who are enrolled in the University of Toronto’s PharmD for Pharmacists Program, registered in good standing as pharmacists and practising in another jurisdiction, and meet the requirements for registration as an intern other than having successfully completed studentship within the previous year may register as interns solely for the purpose of completing the program’s experiential rotations. The certificate of registration for interns registered under this policy is valid for two years. College staff will extend the validity for these interns’ certificates of registration in one year increments for a maximum of two additional years if the intern continues to meet the Decision Criteria.

Process The applicant will submit an application indicating that he or she wishes to be registered as an intern, including evidence of his or her pharmacist registration in another jurisdiction. College staff will review the application and supporting materials to decide whether the application may be processed. In most cases, the decision will be made within five to ten business days. Applicants granted intern registration through this policy will see this decision in their online member profile; only applicants whose intern registration is not granted will be directly notified.

Decision Criteria This policy is only applicable where:

1. The applicant is registered as a pharmacist in good standing in another jurisdiction with an active practice license for patient care.

2. The applicant is eligible for registration as an intern with the exception of the requirement that the applicant be registered as an intern within one year of completing the studentship requirement;

3. The applicant is enrolled and actively participating in the University of Toronto’s PharmD for Pharmacists program;

4. The applicant’s registration as an intern is solely for the purpose of completing the PharmD for

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Pharmacists experiential rotations in Ontario.

Possible Outcomes

Intern registration granted The applicant will be issued a certificate of registration as an intern subject to the terms, conditions and limitations of that certificate, including the requirement for pharmacist supervision.

Intern registration not granted The application will be referred to a panel of the Registration Committee.

Background The PharmD for Pharmacists program at the University of Toronto attracts pharmacists from outside of Ontario, and requires its students to complete experiential rotations that may be offered in Ontario. In order to participate in the experiential component of the program, its students must be registered with OCP to perform the controlled acts and be engaged in the scope of practice in Ontario. Pharmacists from other jurisdictions may register as pharmacists in Ontario if they meet the registration requirements. However, they may not wish to register and practice as pharmacists since they only require status in Ontario for a short duration of time for the sole purpose of completing the experiential rotations of the program. Registration as interns would enable these individuals to practice while under supervision according to the terms, conditions and limitations of that certificate of registration. This would allow them to complete the patient care rotations as required and assessed by the program. A certificate of registration as an intern automatically expires one year from the date on which it is issued unless specified otherwise by a panel of the Registration Committee. Because the PharmD for Pharmacists program is a flexible and customizable program that allows students to complete it at their own pace and within a maximum of four years, interns registered under this policy may require having a panel decision to extend their certificate of registration. Instead, their certificate of registration should be valid for a sufficient period of time to allow them to complete the experiential rotations in Ontario. Policy: Student Registration for International Pharmacy Graduates Who Pass the PEBC Qualifying Exam for Pharmacists on the First Attempt Approved: February 2016 Revised: November 2016 Reviewed: November 2016 This policy allows international pharmacy graduates who have successfully completed both parts of the PEBC Qualifying Exam on their first attempt and who received their PEBC Pharmacist Certification within the past three years to register as a pharmacy student.

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Policy An international pharmacy graduate who has successfully completed the PEBC Qualifying Examination for Pharmacists on the first attempt, received their PEBC Pharmacist Certification within the past three years, and meets all other requirements for student registration will be granted student registration to allow them to complete the College’s Structured Practical Training (SPT) or Practice Assessment of Competence at Entry (PACE) prior to consideration by a panel of the Registration Committee of any further education and/or training that the applicant may require to move forward in the registration process.

Process The applicant will submit a student application. College staff will review the application and supporting materials to decide whether the applicant may be registered as a student. The student will engage in practice under the supervision of a pharmacist and must participate in SPT or PACE at the earliest possible opportunity. The certificate of registration as a student automatically expires one year from the date it is issued. Upon completion of SPT or PACE, the student may submit the application for the next level of registration which will be referred to a panel of the Registration Committee.

Decision Criteria This policy is only applicable where the applicant:

1. Has successfully completed Parts I and II of the PEBC Qualifying Exam for Pharmacists on the first attempt for each;

2. Received PEBC Pharmacist Certification within the past three years; and 3. Meets all of the other registration requirements to register as a student.

Possible Outcomes

Student registration granted The applicant will be issued a certificate of registration as a student.

Student registration not granted The application will be referred to a panel of the Registration Committee.

Background An applicant who has successfully completed the PEBC Qualifying Exam for Pharmacists on the first attempt and meets all other requirements for student registration may be registered as a student if they complete any further education and/or training as specified by a panel of the Registration Committee. Having an applicant first complete the College’s Structured Practical Training (SPT) at the student level or the Practice Assessment of Competence at Entry (PACE) will allow them the opportunity to demonstrate their current level of practice competence through a standardized, objective assessment by a preceptor in SPT or an assessor in PACE. The SPT or PACE result will be included as part of the applicant’s submissions to a panel to support the panel’s decision-making process in determining what, if any, further education and/or training the applicant is required to complete to move forward to the next level of registration. To be able to complete the SPT or PACE, an applicant must be allowed to perform the controlled acts of the pharmacy profession. Registration with the College as a student would enable these individuals to

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be engaged in the full scope of practice for pharmacy in Ontario according to the terms, conditions and limitations of that certificate of registration, including practise only while under the supervision of a pharmacist.

Additional references • Structured Practical Training • Practice Assessment of Competence at Entry (PACE) - Key Initiatives