EDMONTON — A court ruling means Albertans will not be able to collect reward points for drug purchases or pharmacy services.
The Alberta Court of Appeal on Friday overturned a 2016 ruling that said the body that regulates the province’s pharmacists did not have the legal power to impose a ban on consumer loyalty programs.
The Alberta College of Pharmacists wanted the ban on pharmacists and pharmacies in 2014, but the Sobeys grocery chain challenged the plan.
The college’s appeal argued that pharmacists are a key part of the health-care system and that it had the authority to ensure high ethical standards.
A panel of Appeal Court judges, citing a similar case in British Columbia, ruled the Alberta college’s ban was reasonable.
Greg Eberhart, registrar of the college, said consumer loyalty programs could disrupt professional relationships that should be focused on health care.
He said some consumers were moving between different pharmacies to cash in on inducements.
“In Alberta, pharmacists have what is among the broadest scopes of practice anywhere in the world,” he said. “They have the ability to assess and adapt prescriptions, prescribe medications, create care plans and administer vaccines by injection.
“What’s most important to pharmacy professionals is the health of the individuals they serve.”
Eberhart said the ban on loyalty programs in Alberta begins immediately.
The college governs about 5,500 pharmacists in the province and 1,400 pharmacy technicians.
Sobeys said it was disappointed with the ruling.
“In addition to the professional services and trusted advice provided by Safeway, Sobeys and IGA pharmacists, we believe that we contribute to better patient care by offering rewards that help increase loyalty, adherence and ultimately improved health outcomes,” said Jedd Wood, vice-president of Sobeys National Pharmacy Group. “While this ruling has now taken away loyalty rewards from all Albertans, our pharmacists will continue to offer trusted professional advice and the best possible care to our patients.”
The grocery giant said it continues to offer pharmacy rewards in Saskatchewan, Manitoba, Nova Scotia and New Brunswick.