What action must a pharmacist take before dispensing methadone?

Before dispensing methadone, a pharmacist is required to notify the Ontario College of Pharmacists (OCP) of their intention to do so within a specified timeframe. This requirement reflects the regulatory framework in place to ensure that pharmacists are equipped and recognized for handling controlled substances like methadone, which is used in addiction treatment and pain management.

Pharmacists must follow strict guidelines to ensure patient safety and compliance with laws governing the dispensing of methadone. Notifying the OCP allows for oversight and helps maintain standards that protect both the public and the integrity of the pharmacy profession.

While training pharmacy staff and consulting with patients regularly are important practices for a pharmacist to uphold, these actions are not directly required as a prerequisite to dispensing methadone. Posting notices might be relevant for communicating policies or services offered but does not pertain specifically to the regulatory requirement that surrounds the dispensing of methadone. Thus, the correct action related to the requirement before dispensing methadone is to notify the OCP of the intention.