What is the Canadian Pharmacy Services Framework?

The Framework outlines a roadmap to deliver expanded patient-centred pharmacy services that are cost-effective, and based on the needs of Canadians and value to the health care system. The Framework recognizes the value of professional pharmacy services while ensuring a financially viable and sustainable pharmacy business model – it provides an understanding for establishing fees for different categories of services:

-  Core Dispensing Services

-  Enhanced Medication-Related Services

-  Expanded Patient Care Services

Download the Canadian Pharmacy Services Framework deck

The Canadian Pharmacy Services Framework (CPSF) was developed in collaboration between the Canadian Pharmacists Association (CPhA), Canadian Association of Chain Drug Stores (CACDS), and provincial pharmacy associations.

CPSF addresses Blueprint for Pharmacy Implementation Plan deliverables under Financial Viability and Sustainability:

3.2.1  A framework for professional pharmacy services to provide a method and rationale for establishing fees.

3.2.2  Compensation models to support the services in the framework, and emerging services.

Why does it matter?

The pharmacy landscape is changing dramatically. Many provinces are introducing expanded scopes of practice, regulated pharmacy technicians, drug pricing reform, and new payment models for medication management services. Efforts to advance the shared vision for enhanced pharmacy practice in a community setting are of critical importance to the Canadian public and the overall health care system, as well as pharmacists and pharmacy owners. The Framework supports the development of financially-viable, patient-centred services that are scalable across jurisdictions and can be adapted to align with the varying jurisdictional needs.

The Framework is intended to be used as a resource for pharmacy associations when negotiating with governments and private payers for funding for expanded services, and to support pharmacy owners as they become more involved in the provision of comprehensive medication management services focused on safety, effectiveness and appropriateness. The expectation is that the provinces will adapt the Framework to meet their own jurisdictional needs.

For questions relating to CPSF, contact:

Philip Emberley, PharmD, MBA

Director, Pharmacy Innovation

Canadian Pharmacists Association

Tel: (613) 523-7877 ext: 220 or 1-800-917-9489