Under PPP-58, pharmacists can utilize their professional judgement to adapt (renew) a prescription, for whatever period of time they feel is appropriate for non controlled substances, as long as the duration does not exceed the expiry of the prescription. When adapting, the pharmacist must ensure they have sufficient knowledge, understanding and client-specific information to determine if the adaptation and subsequent continuation of therapy is in the best interest of the client. Adapted renewals are generally performed when a pharmacist decides that they have enough information to determine a longer-term supply may be in the best interest of the client.
PPP-31 allows pharmacists to provide clients with an emergency supply of prescription drugs for continuity of care in exceptional circumstances. Although this policy gives broad latitude for pharmacists to exercise their professional judgement, generally, emergency supplies are utilized to provide short term supplies when a renewal does not meet the criteria in PPP-58.
A pharmacist may opt for providing an emergency supply rather than an adapted renewal for several reasons, including:
- The pharmacist is not comfortable providing a longer-term supply based on the client’s health status.
- The prescription does not qualify for adaptation under PPP-58.
- The client has an upcoming appointment with their prescriber to obtain a new prescription.
- It is not in the patient's best interest to provide an adapted renewal.