Province Introduces Changes to Pharmaceutical Services Act

The provincial government has introduced legislation aimed at modernizing Newfoundland and Labrador’s Pharmaceutical Services Act and reducing administrative requirements for medical providers.

Under the current legislation, prescriptions for controlled substances, including narcotics, must be written or typed on tamper-resistant prescription pads. The requirement is intended to help prevent forged or altered prescriptions from entering the illegal drug supply.

The proposed amendments would allow telephone prescriptions and prescription transfers between pharmacies without requiring a tamper-resistant prescription pad. However, a tamper-resistant pad would still be required when patients are provided with a physical copy of a prescription to bring to a pharmacy.

The provincial government said the changes are intended to streamline processes and reduce red tape for prescribers.

The amendments come ahead of changes to the federal Controlled Drugs and Substances Regulations that will permanently allow verbal prescriptions for controlled substances beginning Oct. 1, 2026.

According to the province, the updated legislation would also recognize the growing use of technology in health care, including phone-based prescribing systems and electronic platforms such as CorCare and e-fax services.

The government consulted with the College of Pharmacists of Newfoundland and Labrador, which supports the proposed amendments.