What the OCP’s director accountability measures get right: Empowering leadership while ensuring accountability

Balancing the operational demands of a pharmacy with the ethical obligation to provide safe and effective patient care is a universal challenge. The Ontario College of Pharmacists’ (OCP) recent move to require pharmacy directors to attest that business pressures will not interfere with care is a meaningful step forward. It addresses systemic concerns in pharmacy practice and establishes a framework for responsible leadership.Empowering pharmacy directorsBy requiring directors to formally attest to their oversight of care standards, the policy reinforces their authority to lead. Directors play a pivotal role in shaping the culture and business practices of their pharmacies. Whether it's setting policies, allocating resources, not compromising patient autonomy or operational planning, they hold the power to ensure that care quality remains a priority.This sends a clear message: directors are leaders capable of driving positive change and safeguarding the integrity of the profession.Holding directors accountableThe attestation ensures directors take responsibility for their decisions, showing that patient care must never be compromised for financial or operational goals. This accountability fosters a balanced approach where metrics and business objectives are pursued responsibly without undermining professional ethics or patient outcomes.Aligning metrics with professional integrityMetrics themselves are not the problem—they are essential for measuring performance and driving improvement. Even the OCP uses metrics to track its activities, such as the number of cases reviewed by the Inquiries, Complaints, and Reports Committee (ICRC). Problems arise when metrics prioritize volume over value, or profits over patient outcomes.The OCP’s attestation empowers directors to use metrics effectively by:Focusing on meaningful outcomes, such as patient satisfaction and health results.Aligning operational goals with professional standards.Supporting pharmacy teams with the resources needed to balance business and care.This approach ensures that metrics serve as tools for enhancement rather than pressure points that compromise care.A universal solution for a systemic challengeA key strength of the OCP’s policy is its universality. It applies equally to all pharmacies, recognizing that the challenge of balancing care and business is not confined to any specific ownership model. This inclusive approach ensures that every pharmacy, regardless of size or structure, operates under a shared commitment to ethical patient care.Read: OCP to require pharmacy directors to declare business requirements won’t get in the way of patient care Moving forwardWhile this measure is not a complete solution, it lays the groundwork for progress. Future efforts from professional and trade associations should focus on:Providing clear guidance on balancing care and business objectives.Establishing support systems to help directors meet these expectations.Encouraging collaboration between regulators, payers, and pharmacy leaders to address systemic challenges.At its core, this policy recognizes the vital role of leadership in pharmacy practice. By empowering directors and holding them accountable, it reinforces the trust and professionalism that patients and pharmacy teams rely on.This is an important step forward—not just for pharmacies but for the future of patient care in Ontario.Read: Pharmacists reveal how business pressures are putting public safety at risk in BC survey

What the OCP’s director accountability measures get right: Empowering leadership while ensuring accountability

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