The Pharmacy, Not Just the Pharmacist
This page is about the pharmacy as a business. Individual pharmacists answer to the College under the Code; see our pharmacists guide. No one may establish or operate a pharmacy without a certificate of accreditation (DPRA, s. 139(1)).
Ownership is restricted: only pharmacists, or corporations whose majority of directors are pharmacists and whose shares are held as required, may own or operate a pharmacy (ss. 142, 144). Every pharmacy must be supervised by a physically present pharmacist and managed by a designated manager (s. 146(1)), subject to rules for remote dispensing locations (s. 146(1.0.1)).
Who Decides
- Registrar and Accreditation Committee
- The Registrar issues certificates where the applicant qualifies, and refers doubtful applications to the Accreditation Committee (DPRA, s. 139(2)–(3)).
- Discipline Committee
- Hears referrals about non-conforming pharmacies and proprietary misconduct (s. 140(1)–(3.1)).
- Inspectors
- May enter pharmacies at reasonable times, and obtain warrants (ss. 148–148.1).
- Procedure
- The Health Professions Procedural Code’s registration and discipline provisions apply, with necessary modifications (ss. 139(4), 140(2)).
What Can Happen Next
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Accreditation decisions
The Accreditation Committee may direct the Registrar to issue, refuse, or issue with terms, conditions or limitations (DPRA, s. 139(3)). Code procedures for registration hearings, reviews and appeals apply (s. 139(4)).
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Interim orders
The Accreditation Committee may at any time make an interim order suspending a certificate or imposing terms, if the pharmacy’s conduct or operation is likely to expose a patient or the public to harm or injury (s. 140(2.0.1)). The Code’s interim order procedures apply (s. 140(2.0.2)).
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Discipline referral
If the Committee believes the pharmacy does not conform to the Act, regulations or certificate conditions, or that proprietary misconduct occurred, it may refer the matter to the Discipline Committee (s. 140(1)).
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Orders
A Discipline panel may direct revocation or suspension of the certificate, impose terms, and order a fine of up to $100,000 (s. 140(3.1)). Orders against a designated manager can include those available against pharmacists (s. 140(3.2)). Decisions are published, with names in some cases (s. 140.1).
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Court orders
Where continued operation may place the public at risk, the College can apply to the Superior Court for an order revoking, suspending or restricting the certificate (s. 162.1).
Unpaid fees. The Registrar may revoke or suspend for non-payment of fees after at least 60 days’ notice of default (s. 140(4)).
Checklist
Documents to gather
- The certificate of accreditation and any terms, conditions or limitations
- Corporate records showing directors and share ownership
- Designated manager appointment and staffing schedules
- Inspection reports and the pharmacy’s responses
- Narcotic and controlled substance purchase and sale records (s. 153)
Frequently Asked Questions
Can a non-pharmacist own a pharmacy?
Generally no. Ownership is limited to pharmacists and qualifying corporations (ss. 142, 144).
What is proprietary misconduct?
It is defined in the regulations under the Act (s. 1). Check the current definition with counsel.
Sources
Statutory references are to the provisions listed below, as consolidated on e-Laws when this page was prepared.
- Drug and Pharmacies Regulation Act, R.S.O. 1990, c. H.4, ss. 1, 139–140.1, 142, 144, 146, 148–148.1, 153, 162.1 — Checked November 11, 2026.
- Health Professions Procedural Code (RHPA, Sched. 2) — Checked November 11, 2026.