OCP Registrar receives International Award for Regulatory Excellence

TORONTO, Sept. 28 /CNW/ - Deanna Williams, Registrar of the Ontario College of Pharmacists (OCP) was awarded the 2010 Regulatory Excellence Award by the Council on Licensure, Enforcement and Regulation (CLEAR) at its annual conference in Nashville, Tennessee on September 25^th. An international regulatory organization with offices in the United States and the United Kingdom, CLEAR promotes regulatory excellence through conferences, educational programs, networking opportunities, publications and research services for organizations and individuals involved with professional and occupational regulation.

The award recognizes an individual demonstrating an outstanding contribution to the enhancement of professional or occupational regulation, regulatory processes and consumer and public protection through exceptional leadership, and results or outcomes above and beyond expectations or what is normally achieved.

"On behalf of the Council of the Ontario College of Pharmacists, I congratulate Registrar Williams on receiving this prestigious award from CLEAR - an organization committed to the promotion of regulatory excellence," said OCP President Bonnie Hauser. "Deanna's vision and regulatory leadership is recognized not only within our College but also by other regulatory organizations nationally and internationally."

Williams is cited for demonstrating exceptional leadership, vision, creativity, results and outcomes in leading the College and the profession beyond the minimum legislative requirements established by Ontario's Ministry of Health and Long Term Care in regard to quality assurance and the provision of quality services to the public of Ontario. Williams obtained the much needed support of Ontario's regulated pharmacists and other stakeholders to ensure a smooth implementation of a mandated quality assurance program to assure ongoing continuing competence of all practicing pharmacists in Ontario.  The College's practice review process randomly assesses pharmacist competence through a multi-faceted approach that includes self-reflection, a test of clinical knowledge, and a structured peer review for assessment of knowledge, skills and judgment.

Today, OCP's Quality Assurance Practice Review process is cited as a model—for all professions—both nationally and internationally. Williams' strong leadership is demonstrated through the meticulous steps taken by the College to engage the members of the profession in continuing professional development and quality assurance.

"I am both honoured and humbled to receive this award," Williams said. "Vision and leadership can only be realized with the support of our College Councils, past and present, who committed the resources needed to give flight to this vision, and our terrific OCP team without whom the quality assurance program would not be what it is today. Thank you all."

Established in 1871, the Ontario College of Pharmacists (OCP) is the registering and regulating body for pharmacy practice in Ontario.

For further information:

Anjali Baichwal
Communications Advisor
416-847-8294
Toll-free: 1-800-220-1921
[email protected]
www.ocpinfo.com