Drug programs

CPSBC drug programs are based on quality assurance initiatives that encourage physicians and surgeons to prescribe according to evidence-based best practices and accepted clinical standards.

These initiatives protect patients and promote safe prescribing under the Health Professions Act and the College Bylaws.

Ensuring registrants provide safe care to their patients

Patient safety through evidence-based prescribing practices

Commitment to patient safety is demonstrated through:

practice standards
- Safe Prescribing of Opioids and Sedatives
- Prescribing Methadone
educational courses and conferences on good prescribing practices
- TFME Safe Practice Management conference
- Prescriber's Course
educational and remedial activities on prescribing practices of concern
- Prescription Review Program
reducing prescription forgeries and drug diversion
- Controlled Prescription Program
- duplicate prescription pad orders
guiding safe prescribing of other potentially harmful medications
- antimicrobial stewardship
- management of substance use disorder

Ongoing prescribing support and educational opportunities

Prescribing drugs is an essential component of the practice of medicine

The drug programs department focuses on medications that are commonly prescribed and medications that carry great potential of risk of harm to patients. Registrants are expected to stay up-to-date on emerging evidence and best practices as part of their continuing medical education.

Registrants are encouraged to contact the drug programs department at any time if they would like to speak with a medical consultant for guidance.

Minimizing risk wherever possible

The College does not direct patient care

The College reviews prescribing principles and recommends educational and remedial activities to registrants. The College cannot intervene or ask a physician or surgeon to prescribe or not prescribe specific medications.

Patients are responsible for following special directions provided by their physician or surgeon. This includes following drug safety measures such as pill counts and urine drug screens.

If a patient believes they have received unacceptable care they should file a complaint.

Educational and remedial activities

Prescription Review Programarrow_right_alt

Tools and resources for prescribingarrow_right_alt

Sign up for courses and conferencesarrow_right_alt

Prescribing controlled medications (schedule 1A drugs)

Controlled Prescription Programarrow_right_alt

Update from CPBC: Prescribing by phone or faxarrow_right_alt

Order duplicate prescription padsarrow_right_alt

Guidance on prescribing

CPSBC drug programs focus on medications that are commonly prescribed and medications that carry great risk of harm to patients. Registrants are expected to stay up-to-date on emerging evidence and best practices as part of their continuing medical education.