New standards for the delivery of controlled drug substances in effect April 1, 2026
On April 1, 2026, new standards for the delivery of controlled drug substances will come into effect as part of the new Health Professions and Occupations Act Bylaws and the revised Pharmacy Operations and Drug Scheduling Act Bylaws that were approved at the February 27, 2026, Board meeting.
These standards establish requirements for the delivery of controlled drug substances, including opioid agonist treatment (OAT) drugs, from community pharmacies and telepharmacies to clients or clients’ representatives.
The new standards will replace Professional Practice Policy-71: Delivery of Opioid Agonist Treatment (PPP-71), which focused solely on the delivery of opioid agonist treatment (OAT) drugs by pharmacists and included temporary COVID-era exceptions. Under PPP-71, the temporary COVID-era exceptions included delivery by non-licensees, which was permitted only in exceptional circumstances.
The new standards apply more broadly to all controlled drug substances and introduce stronger safeguards to reduce the risk of drug diversion and improve the safety of both clients and pharmacy professionals, while continuing to support access to care especially in rural or remote communities.
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Clarity for Pharmacy Professionals On April 1, 2026, ALL deliveries from community pharmacies and telepharmacies to clients or clients’ representatives containing controlled drug substances, – as defined in the revised PODSA Bylaws – which include OAT drugs, narcotics, and/or targeted substances, must be completed in accordance with the requirements outlined in these standards. Additional guidance materials to support licensees in understanding and meeting the new standards will be available soon. |
Flexibility for Rural or Remote Communities
The standards recognize the realities faced by pharmacies and clients in rural or remote communities in British Columbia and are designed to provide flexibility where reasonably necessary to support access to medications while ensuring public safety.
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All pharmacy professionals and pharmacies are expected to be fully compliant with these new standards by April 1, 2026, and to take the necessary steps to ensure that client care is not disrupted. Pharmacies that are unable to meet the requirements of the new standards have a responsibility to refer clients to other pharmacies to support continuity of care. This expectation is aligned with Standards 1, 2, and 6 in CPBC’s Code of Ethics. |
New standards for the delivery of controlled drug substances
Health Professions and Occupations Act Bylaws – Schedule E.14 |