Bill to Modernize Prescription Rules Passes Third Reading in House of Assembly

Legislation aimed at modernizing prescription practices and reducing administrative burdens on health-care providers has passed third reading in the House of Assembly.

According to the government, the changes are intended to reflect modern prescribing practices for controlled substances while streamlining processes for physicians, nurse practitioners and pharmacists.

The amendments would permit telephone prescriptions and allow prescriptions for controlled substances to be transferred between pharmacies without requiring a tamper-resistant prescription. The legislation also aligns provincial law with federal Controlled Drugs and Substances Regulations and supports the electronic transmission of prescriptions directly from prescribers to pharmacies.

Despite the changes, tamper-resistant prescription pads will continue to be required when patients are provided with a physical prescription for a controlled substance that must be taken to a pharmacy.

The provincial government said it consulted with the College of Pharmacists of Newfoundland and Labrador while developing the legislation.