The Controlled Drugs and Substances Act (CDSA) provides a legislative framework for the control of substances that can alter mental processes and that may cause harm to the health of an individual or to society when diverted or abused. The CDSA has at its core two objectives, which are the promotion and protection of public health and safety. Failure to comply with the statute or its regulations compromises these objectives.
Under certain circumstances prescribed in the regulations, Health Canada has the authority to issue a notice to restrict a practitioner from prescribing a narcotic or a pharmacist from purchasing a narcotic. The objective of these notices is to advise relevant pharmacists and licensed dealers not to sell or provide controlled substances to the specific practitioner or pharmacist, or to fill prescriptions or orders signed by the practitioner named in the notice.
These notices must be sent to all pharmacies (in the specified province) and Licensed Dealers across Canada in a timely manner to inform them of the suspension of a specific practitioner’s prescribing privileges.
