I was given the wrong medication — what should I do?

Get medical attention first, then keep the dispensed medication, packaging and label as evidence. Complain to the OCP, and get legal advice if you suffered harm, since a civil claim has its own deadline.

Can I complain about the pharmacy, not just the pharmacist?

Yes. The OCP accredits and inspects pharmacies, so operational complaints are within its remit — unlike most colleges, which regulate individuals only.

Ontario College of Pharmacists — Dispensing Errors & Complaints

Ontario College of Pharmacists (OCP)

The OCP regulates Ontario pharmacists, pharmacy technicians and the pharmacies themselves — which is unusual among colleges and means you can complain about a pharmacy's operation as well as an individual. Dispensing errors are the most common complaint, and where an error caused harm a civil claim runs in parallel with the college process.

What it does

Registers pharmacists and pharmacy technicians
Accredits and inspects pharmacies
Investigates dispensing errors and conduct complaints
Refers matters to its Discipline Committee

Matters it hears

Dispensing the wrong drug, dose or directions
Failure to counsel or check interactions
Privacy breaches involving prescription records
Pharmacy operation and record-keeping breaches
Billing and third-party claim concerns

Appeals & review

Appeals generally go to Health Professions Appeal and Review Board (HPARB).

Appeal and review deadlines are short and strictly applied. Treat the decision date as the start of a clock.

Frequently Asked Questions

I was given the wrong medication — what should I do?: Get medical attention first, then keep the dispensed medication, packaging and label as evidence. Complain to the OCP, and get legal advice if you suffered harm, since a civil claim has its own deadline.
Can I complain about the pharmacy, not just the pharmacist?: Yes. The OCP accredits and inspects pharmacies, so operational complaints are within its remit — unlike most colleges, which regulate individuals only.

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General information about jurisdiction and process, not legal advice. LegalCounselNearMe is not a law firm and is not affiliated with Ontario College of Pharmacists (OCP). Procedures, forms and fees change — the official site is authoritative.