Your Pharmacy Experience

The College of Pharmacy of Newfoundland and Labrador (CPNL) regulates the practice of pharmacy and the operation of pharmacies in Newfoundland and Labrador. Every pharmacist and pharmacy technician working in the province is registered with CPNL and every pharmacy you visit in the province has been licensed by CPNL.

As part of its mission to protect the public, CPNL ensures that only applicants who have met the registration requirements are granted the right to practice pharmacy in Newfoundland and Labrador. To become registered, pharmacists and pharmacy technicians must successfully complete national and provincial exams demonstrating competence in pharmacy practice and applicable pharmacy laws. To maintain that registration they must

meet professional development and continuing education requirements;
follow federal and provincial pharmacy laws as well as standards of practice approved by CPNL; and
uphold the CPNL Code of Ethics.

These requirements help ensure that pharmacists and pharmacy technicians have the knowledge, skill, and professional judgment needed to provide you with safe and quality healthcare.

Things to Expect When You Visit Your Pharmacy

Knowing what to expect when you visit your pharmacy will allow you to get the most out of your experience. Below are the five things you should expect when you visit your pharmacy.

Access to a Medication Expert

Pharmacists are educated healthcare professionals who understand how medications can be used in the treatment and prevention of health conditions, how they act within the body, and how they interact with each other. It is their responsibility to ensure that you are informed about the medications you are prescribed and how to take them properly. You should expect that a pharmacist is available to answer your questions and review your medications with you, and if necessary, can schedule time to provide additional medication counselling.

Professionalism and Clear & Effective Communication with Pharmacy Staff

Pharmacists are one of the most frequently accessed healthcare professionals within a patient’s circle of care. It is important that you feel comfortable and confident that your pharmacy team understands your specific needs. You should expect to be treated with courtesy and respect and feel that you have a voice in your health care decisions.

privacy and confidentiality

If requested, your pharmacist can arrange to speak with you regarding your medications and health in a private area of the pharmacy. As custodians of your personal health information, pharmacy professionals are responsible for safeguarding it and only collecting and accessing the information required to provide you with the health care services you need. You should expect that your pharmacy team will respect and protect your privacy.

Collaboration with your circle of care

Each member of your circle of care provides their own set of expertise to support your overall health and well-being. Consulting with other members of your health care team helps ensure the information your pharmacy needs to provide your care is accurate and complete. You should expect your pharmacy team to work in collaboration with other healthcare professionals to provide you with the best possible health care solutions for you.

Discuss your Concerns

At times issues may arise from a miscommunication or misunderstanding and having a discussion with your pharmacy team will often resolve your questions and concerns. You should expect that your pharmacy team will listen to and address any concerns you may have about your care. The experience you have at your pharmacy is important, so if your pharmacy team is unable to resolve your concerns, you can contact the College of Pharmacy of Newfoundland and Labrador (CPNL) to help resolve the issue or to submit a formal complaint. All complaints filed are thoroughly investigated.

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