Virtual prescribing
A prescription follows an assessment.
Never the other way around.
Physicians decide whether a prescription is appropriate after assessing you. This policy sets the limits that apply to every virtual visit.
Assessment first
A prescription is issued only after an assessment the physician considers appropriate for the medication and your situation, and always at the physician’s discretion. Requesting a specific medication does not mean it will be prescribed. The physician may recommend an in-person examination, tests or another treatment instead.
Before prescribing
- Your identity and current location are confirmed. Prescriptions are not issued to patients outside a jurisdiction where the physician is authorized to practise.
- Your allergies, current medications, relevant conditions and, where relevant, pregnancy or breastfeeding status are reviewed.
- Where available, provincial drug information systems may be checked as permitted by law.
- The physician explains the purpose, common side effects and when to seek help.
How prescriptions are sent
Prescriptions are sent directly to the pharmacy you choose, by secure fax or an approved electronic prescribing network that meets provincial requirements. Prescriptions are not emailed to patients. Canada Health Infoway’s national PrescribeIT service was scheduled to end on May 29, 2026; the e-prescribing route for each jurisdiction will be confirmed before launch.
Renewals
Renewals of stable, ongoing medications may be provided as a bridge until you can see your regular provider. Quantities are limited [maximum renewal period to be set by the Medical Director], and you will be asked to arrange follow-up, monitoring or tests with your regular provider. A renewal may be declined if monitoring is overdue or the medication is no longer appropriate.
Controlled and targeted substances
This service does not prescribe controlled or targeted substances through virtual visits. This includes opioids, benzodiazepines and other targeted substances, stimulants and medical cannabis authorizations. Any future exception would require approval by the Medical Director, an established in-person relationship with the patient, compliance with the applicable college standard and federal rules, and use of the provincial prescription monitoring program.
Antibiotic stewardship
Antibiotics are prescribed only when the assessment indicates a likely bacterial infection that can be appropriately managed virtually. They are not prescribed for illnesses that are usually viral, such as most colds, sore throats and bronchitis. The physician may recommend watchful waiting, a test or an in-person examination.
What we do not prescribe virtually
- Opioids, benzodiazepines, stimulants and other controlled or targeted substances.
- Medical cannabis authorizations.
- Anabolic steroids and other performance-enhancing drugs.
- Medications that need an examination, baseline tests or close monitoring that cannot be arranged, such as starting isotretinoin, anticoagulants or many immunosuppressants.
- Medication for anyone other than the patient being assessed.
- Early refills of medications with a risk of misuse.
- Long-term prescribing that should be managed by a regular provider.
This list may change as clinical protocols are approved. The physician’s judgment applies in every case.