An International Pharmacy Association of British Columbia (IPA BC) member places the concern for the well being of the consumer at the centre of professional practice, providing the best care possible. To ensure you receive competent and ethical health care, our certified members adhere to Consumer Protection Guidelines.

• IPA BC members adhere to the Bylaws of the Council of the College of Pharmacists of British Columbia, specifically Bylaw 5 – Community Pharmacy
• In addition to complying with the Professional Practice Policies (PPP) applicable to Community Pharmacy as determined by the College of Pharmacists of British Columbia, IPA BC members are required to comply with the PPP-48 Internet Pharmacy Standards
• IPA BC members will list the name of the dispensing pharmacy and contact information (including physical location, phone number and name of the Pharmacy Manager) on their Web site ensuring consumer access
• IPA BC members will ensure safeguards are in place to protect consumer health information and include a confidentiality statement on their Web site providing more information about the same. These safeguards will be in compliance with both provincial and federal guidelines
• IPA BC members’ Web sites will provide a complete listing of their terms and procedures, including but not limited to, consumer counselling; shipping and delivery policies and terms and conditions of sale
• IPA BC members will not engage in any wholesale contracts and limit their dispensing of prescription medications to individual consumers ordering a 3-month supply
• IPA BC members will ensure all persons involved in processing an individual’s order are engaging in the practice of pharmacy and are appropriately licensed or registered in good standing in all applicable jurisdictions
• IPA BC members require a consumer’s local physician’s prescription for each prescription medication ordered
• IPA BC members request consumers have a medical consultation with their physician within the past year
• IPA BC members will take ‘all reasonable steps’ to identify an individual placing an order for prescription medication prior to filling an order
• In accordance with Bylaw 5(33), IPA BC members will not accept for return to stock or reuse any drug previously dispensed
• Confidential counselling will be made available on every prescription order and will include: confirmation of the identity of the patient; identification and purpose of the drug being dispensed; directions for proper use; common adverse effects or interactions and therapeutic contraindications that may be encountered, including their avoidance, and the actions required if they occur; storage requirements; prescription refill information; response to questions and expressed needs, and may include: how to monitor the response to therapy and expected outcomes within defined time periods; action to be taken in the event of a missed dose; when to seek medical attention, and complementary measures
• IPA BC members will provide prompt, professional service

As a commitment to those in need of International Pharmacy services, the International Pharmacy Association of British Columbia has established a “Consumer Satisfaction Committee” to field consumer inquires and complaints.

The committee is mandated to ensure all IPA BC certified members adhere to the Consumer Protection Guidelines outlined above in addition to the Guidelines and Bylaws set forth by the College of Pharmacists of British Columbia.

Should you have any comments/questions about our industry or an IPA BC member, please do not hesitate to email us at: contact@ipabc.ca.