This Board will be responsible for hearing appeals from people concerning the outcome of an audit performed under Part VI of the Act to the Appeal Board.
The composition of the Appeal Board shall reflect the cultural, ethnic, and regional diversity of the province.
The Appeal Board shall be appointed by the Lieutenant-Governor in Council and shall consist of:
• a pharmacist recommended by the Minister, and the Minister may solicit the advice of the Pharmacists’ Association of NL in the formulation of that recommendation
• a chartered professional accountant
• a lawyer in good standing with the Law Society of NL, who shall be the chairperson of the board
The Lieutenant – Governor in Council may also appoint three persons as alternate members of the Appeal Board to act as members of the Appeal Board as a result of the absence, resignation, illness or death of a regular member.
The persons appointed as alternates shall act as alternate for the person in their respective profession and shall consist of a pharmacist, a chartered professional accountant and a lawyer who shall act as the chairperson of the board.
None of these members shall be officers of the department or employees of the government of the provinces or of a board, commission, corporation, or other body that is an agency of the Crown.
The Minister shall also appoint an officer to be the secretary of the Appeal Board.
Diversity in the backgrounds, skills, knowledge, and experience of appointed Appeal Board members can enhance the effectiveness of the Appeal Board by bringing a wider range of perspectives and knowledge. Examples may include:
• Knowledge of the Pharmaceutical Services Act
• Ability to hear, analyze, and critically evaluate evidence to render a decision as per the Legislation
• Technological competence
• Leadership skills: lead and motivate others towards achieving the Board’s decisions and vision
• Potential backgrounds: health care, pharmacy, accounting, and legal profession
The following attributes are important considerations in selecting members:
• Expertise in their profession
• Currently registered with the NL Pharmacy Board
• Currently registered with the Association of Chartered Professional Accountants of NL
• Member in good standing with the Law Society of NL
• Interest in health care
• Previous board experience
• High ethical standards and integrity
• Appreciation of the responsibilities to the public
• Flexible, responsive and willing to consider others’ opinions
• Capable of a wide perspective on issues
• Ability to listen and work as a team member
• No direct or indirect conflict of interest
• Strong reasoning and conflict resolution skills
• Effective communication skills (written and oral)
No Appeal Board hearings have taken place to date. Therefore, it is difficult to estimate the number or length of hearings, as these will be dependent on the complexities of the appeal and the number of pharmacists appealing audit findings.
A person appointed holds office for a term of three years is eligible for reappointment and will hold office until re-appointed or a successor is appointed.
The Pharmaceutical Audit Appeal Board is seeking two pharmacists, two chartered professional accountants and two lawyers. Lawyers must be in good standing with the Law Society of Newfoundland and Labrador and shall be the chairperson of the Board. Expressions of interest are being sought from individuals who possess the background, experience and skill set identified in the board profile above and who can bring unique perspectives to the table. Consideration will also be given to a variety of demographic factors to ensure the board is representative of the population they serve.
