The College has recently been made aware of multiple instances where pharmacy professionals may have demonstrated an inappropriate understanding or application of the Section 56(1) Exemption of the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act (CDSA) by pharmacy professionals.
Misinterpretation of the exemption can negatively impact patient outcomes and contribute to public misunderstanding pharmacists’ current scope of practice.
Before reviewing the information below, please self-assess your knowledge by answering the following questions:
- Can a pharmacist renew a prescription for a medication included in the CDSA and its Regulations?
- Can a pharmacy professional transfer remaining part-fills or refills for a medication included in the CDSA and its Regulations?
The answer to both questions, is “yes.”
It is the expectation of the College that each pharmacy professional is knowledgeable of the legislation that governs their practice and is able to communicate its application effectively in patient interactions to provide safe and appropriate patient care.
About the Section 56(1) Exemption
Pharmacists’ authority to prescribe controlled drugs and narcotics is governed by federal legislation under the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act (CDSA). In 2020, Health Canada issued a subsection 56(1) exemption under the CDSA, in the public interest. The intent of the exemption is to reduce regulatory barriers at the federal level to support the health care system to ensure continuity of care.
This exemption, remains in effect until September 30, 2026, and temporarily authorizes pharmacists to:
- Extend or renew prescriptions for controlled substances
- Transfer prescriptions for controlled substances to pharmacists working at another pharmacy
- Dispense controlled substances based on verbal prescriptions from authorized practitioners
- Arrange delivery of controlled substances to patients at their homes or alternate locations
In summary, New Brunswick pharmacists have been granted temporary authority by the federal government to renew prescriptions for controlled drugs and narcotics.
Important Limitations
While this exemption enhances pharmacists’ ability to support continuity of care, it does come with important restrictions:
- pharmacists cannot increase the dosage, quantity or frequency of controlled substances when renewing a prescription.
The exemption is not limited to emergency situations. Under the exemption, pharmacists are permitted to assess and renew controlled drugs and narcotics as part of continuation of care, when clinically appropriate.
Professional Responsibilities
As part of the standards of practice, pharmacists are required to conduct a comprehensive assessment of the patient’s health before extending or renewing any prescription, including those for controlled substances. If, based on that assessment, the pharmacist determines the patient would benefit from a referral to another healthcare provider, they must make that referral.
This exemption is one example of how pharmacists in New Brunswick are empowered to support their patients’ health and improve continuity of care. When applied correctly, this helps patients maintain access to essential therapies while reinforcing the pharmacist’s role as a trusted primary healthcare provider.
For further information, please consult the links below: