Jennifer Mosher conflict of Interest
From Regulatory Role to Private Consultancy
In the realm of pharmacy compounding, Jennifer Mosher’s name stands out for her significant contributions. With a career of over 25 years, her influence in shaping compounding practices is noteworthy. However, her recent shift from a role at the Alberta College of Pharmacy (ACP) to launching her consultancy firm, State of Control, in 2019, has brought to light discussions on potential conflicts of interest and the ethical boundaries within the healthcare industry.
The Potential Conflict of Interest
Jennifer Mosher move from a nine-year tenure at the ACP to her consultancy firm is particularly contentious. Her firm, State of Control, assists pharmacy professionals in compounding compliance – an area where she played a significant role during her time at the ACP. This transition poses questions regarding the potential conflict of interest, as she now stands to benefit from the standards she helped develop.
Ongoing Association with ACP
Further complicating the situation is the information suggesting Jennifer’s continued use of the ACP’s email system and her involvement in various contractual roles, including the investigation of pharmacies and pharmacists. This ongoing association with the ACP, coupled with her private enterprise, creates a scenario where her regulatory authority and private business interests may intersect, leading to ethical dilemmas.
Context of ACP’s Employment Practices
Historical Use of Contracts by ACP
It’s important to note that the practice of using contracts instead of traditional employment is not unprecedented within the ACP. Historical instances exist where the ACP Registrar has engaged individuals in contractual roles for specific tasks or investigations.
The Role of Greg Eberhart
Greg Eberhart, who has served as the registrar of the ACP for an impressive 34 years, has been a pivotal figure in the pharmacy community. His recent announcement of retirement marks the end of a significant era in the ACP’s history. Eberhart’s long tenure has seen various shifts and developments in the pharmacy field, including the employment practices of the ACP. His leadership and decisions, including those related to contractual employment, have played a crucial role in shaping the ACP’s policies and practices.
Ethical Implications in Healthcare
The Need for Clear Boundaries
The heart of the issue lies in the ethical implications of such dual roles in healthcare. The appearance of a conflict of interest, whether real or perceived, can significantly impact public trust and the integrity of the profession. Jennifer’s case, as well as the broader context of the ACP’s employment practices under Eberhart’s tenure, highlights the necessity for clear boundaries and stricter policies to govern transitions from regulatory roles to private sector opportunities in healthcare.
A Call for Robust Ethical Standards
This situation underscores the importance of robust ethical standards and conflict-of-interest policies within the pharmacy profession. It’s a critical dialogue for maintaining the efficacy and trust of our healthcare systems, especially as we transition into a new era following Greg Eberhart‘s retirement.