Prescriptions for OAT may only be received by facsimile in accordance with section 7(3) of the Health Professions Act Bylaws Schedule F, Part 1 – Community Pharmacy Standards of Practice. A Controlled Prescription Program (CPP) form can only be accepted by facsimile during a public health emergency declared by the Provincial Health Officer. This includes the ongoing Overdose Crisis declared under the Public Health Act.
In addition, faxed methadone prescriptions can also be accepted under extenuating circumstances where the prescriber has determined, following consultation with the pharmacist, that the urgency of the situation warrants it.
Prescriptions may only be accepted verbally when permitted under a section 56 exemption to the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act in accordance with section 19(6.1) of the bylaws to the Pharmacy Operations and Drug Scheduling Act. The pharmacy must receive either the original or a faxed copy of the CPP prescription form from the prescriber as soon as reasonably possible.