MARCH 31, 2025 - RENEWAL DEADLINEPharmacists may reduce the dispensing quantity in some cases, but they are expected to dispense the prescription as written by the practitioner. Otherwise, pharmacists must consult with the prescriber before adjusting quantities to be dispensed.
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The fax cover letter is not a requirement of pharmacy record-keeping, however it may contain information required by bylaws that is not on the prescription. For a faxed prescription to be valid, it must have the practitioner’s phone number, fax number, time/date of transmission, pharmacy name and pharmacy fax number.
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The Community Pharmacy Standards of Practice state that a registrant must not dispense prescriptions more than two years from the prescribing date, but it does not limit the duration of therapy that may be dispensed. However, pharmacists must use their professional judgement to assess the appropriateness prior to dispensing any prescription.
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No, practitioners must use the Controlled Prescription Program form they were issued. If a practitioner has not defined a place of practice, the form will be missing the practice address, but the name and the registration number will be printed on the form.
Unexplained losses of controlled drugs, including narcotic medications, must be reported to Health Canada within 10 days of discovery and a copy of the report sent to Health Canada must be forwarded to the College.
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Only fax transmission of prescriptions directly from the practitioner is allowed. Otherwise, the pharmacy must have an original prescription or have received a verbal prescription from a practitioner before dispensing prescription medications.
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Pharmacy professionals may administer medications or provide consultations from any location where security, privacy and confidentiality can be maintained. They must make sure that proper conditions and equipment needs are met when providing these services (e.g. anaphylaxis kits). Please note that the storage of drugs and personal health information outside licensed pharmacy premises is restricted under the PODSA bylaws.
Pharmacists are permitted to apply medicated patches on a patient, if requested to do so. However, prior to performing this activity, the pharmacist must ensure that they have the knowledge, skills and abilities to apply the patch in a manner that is safe and appropriate. The pharmacy would also be expected to have policies and procedures in place regarding this activity, including but not limited to, addressing how patients’ privacy needs will be met.
Pharmacy technicians and pharmacists registered with the College are health professionals under the Health Professions Act and must uphold legislative requirements and professional obligations at all times.
Pharmacists who do not provide specialty compounding services have two options:
1. Refer the patient to a pharmacy that can prepare the product.
2. Obtain the specialty compound by contracting with another pharmacist who provides the service. A contract between the two pharmacies must be signed and retained by both pharmacy managers if the service is contracted out.
If you have any questions or concerns, please email [email protected].