Maxine is a highly respected pharmacist and operates her own S1Uall pharmacy business in Alberta. For several years, Maxine has provided customers wjth a loyalty card, which accumulates points for each prescription or service purchased, ultimately enabling the holder to use the points to purchase other merchandise and obtain discounts. Recently, the Alberta College of Pharmacists has introduced legislation to prohibit pharmacists from offering incentives for purchasing pharmacy drugs, including loyalty and rewards programs. The College says that such incentives create conflicts of interest and are unprofessional. But critics of the new rule, such as the grocer Sobeys, say that studies have shown that such loyalty programs build the relationship between pharmacies and their patients, and encourage better use of medications. Many seniors and disabled people rely on loyalty and incentive programs to purchase items that they might otl1erwise not be able to afford. 54 Is prohibiting loyalty and incentive programs for the purchase of prescription drugs a good idea? Does it protect the public? What are Maxine's options if she is opposed to the rule?
Already registered? Login
Not Account? Sign up
Enter your email address to reset your password
Back to Login? Click here