TRIPLICATE PRESCRIPTION PROGRAM (TPP)

REDUCING PRESCRIPTION DRUG MISUSE AND ABUSE

Established in 1986, the Triplicate Prescription program (TPP) monitors the use of certain drugs prone to misuse and abuse in Alberta. TPP is administered by CPSA in collaboration with partner organizations.

TPP collects prescribing and dispensing data for listed drugs.

When the data meet certain criteria, physicians and others involved in the care of the patient are alerted, provided with information and directed to resources that can support them in providing safe care.

TPP Medication list

For a listing of Type 1 & Type 2 medications

TPP Medication List

Triplicate Prescription Program Guide

TPP Guide

Program Information for Prescribers

Registering as a prescriber with TPP

  • Prescribers must register with TPP to prescribe any medication on the TPP medication list.
  • Medical Residents must obtain approval from their program director prior to registering with TPP.
TPP Registration form for PrescribersTPP Registration form for Medical Residents

Re-ordering Triplicate pads

Email TPPinfo@cpsa.ab.ca or contact 1 800 561 3899 ext 4939. Include the following information with your request:

  1. Your registration number
  2. Your clinic’s complete address including postal code
  3. Phone number that is to be printed on the pads
  4. Complete address for shipping, if different.

Lost or stolen TPP forms

If your TPP pad or any of the forms are missing or stolen, you must contact the police and notify CPSA immediately. The prescriber should provide the following information to CPSA:

  1. Date of Theft or loss
  2. Triplicate Prescription number of the missing form(s) or pad(s)
  3. Name of the last patient prescribed a triplicate prescription
  4. The police file number and investigating constable’s name and phone number.

Program Information for Pharmacists

List of Stolen and Missing Triplicates

Pharmacists looking for the list of stolen or missing triplicates can access the list through the Alberta College of Pharmacists (login required) or contact TPP directly at TPPinfo@cpsa.ab.ca or call 1 800 561 3899 ext. 4939.

Prescribers with TPP Prescribing Restrictions

CPSA can impose prescribing conditions on physicians that restrict their prescriptive authority under certain situations. These listings and conditions are shown below:

Surname Given Name Restrictions
Beeharry Raj Restricted from prescribing any drugs monitored by the TPP program, chloral hydrate, zopiclone and other z-drugs except to existing patients. Prescriptions for existing patients shall be for a maximum 90 day period.
Brooks John Restricted from prescribing any drugs.
Collett Franklin D. Restricted from prescribing triplicate medications, anabolic steroids, methylphenidate, barbiturates, codeine containing drugs, amphetamine or amphetamine like appetite suppressants, benzodiazepines and other anxiolytics, hypnotics and sedatives, and muscle relaxants.
Datar Sunil Restricted from prescribing, dispensing or providing samples of any drug that is listed on the College’s Triplicate Prescription Program Product List, whether prescribed using the triplicate pad or otherwise monitored by the program, inclusive of codeine products, benzodiazepines and “Z Class Drugs.”
Gauri Mohammed Ali Restricted from prescribing triplicate prescriptions with the exception of opioid analgesics for malignancy-related pain documented by pathology report and/or consultant’s report.
Iwashkiw Boris Michael Restricted from prescribing any drugs on the Triplicate Prescription Program (and no products containing Codeine) or any benzodiazepines and other anxiolytics, hypnotics and sedatives including Chloral Hydrate, Zopiclone or other Z-Drugs.
Jackman Kevin F.M. Restricted from prescribing any drugs on the Triplicate Prescription Program Product List (and no products containing Codeine or tramadol) with the following exceptions: Narcotic analgesics for patients with malignancy-related pain that is documented by a pathology report and non-TPP analgesics (Tramadol) for patients with acute non-malignant pain for a maximum of one week for each patient in any three month period.
Janse Van Vuuren Christoffel Johannes Restricted from prescribing triplicate medications.
Krog Pieter Restricted from obtaining or using a triplicate prescription pad.
McAlpine Brian Douglas Restricted from prescribing triplicate medications and stimulant medications used in the treatment of Attention Deficit Disorders.
McPeak Brian K. Restricted from prescribing medications which require a triplicate prescription pad.
Mohamed Ataher S Restricted from prescribing any medication monitored by the Triplicate Prescription Program.
Moir James Allan Restricted from prescribing medications designated as part of the Triplicate Prescription Program.
Mydland Walter W. Restricted from prescribing medications.
Neu S. Randall Restricted from prescribing triplicate medication.
Rosenstock Carl Restricted from prescribing any benzodiazepines, including chloral hydrate, zopiclone and other z-drugs with the following exceptions: 1. Prescribed as an anticonvulsant; 2. Prescribed to a patient for a maximum of two weeks in any three month period; or 3. Supported by a direction or recommendation arising from a consult from a specialist or knowledgeable colleague.
Rosenstock Carl Restricted from prescribing any drugs on the Triplicate Prescription Program List (or any products containing Codeine) with the following exceptions: 1. A narcotic analgesic prescribed to a patient with malignancy-related pain that is documented by a pathology report or consultant’s report; 2. A narcotic analgesic prescribed to a patient with acute non-malignant pain for a maximum of two weeks for any three month period; or 3. Supported by a direction or recommendation arising from a consult from a specialist or knowledgeable colleague.
Thompson Robert Douglas Restricted from prescribing any medications which require a Triplicate Prescription Pad.
Turner Barbara Restricted from prescribing medications.
Wachtler Oswald Restricted from prescribing medications on the Triplicate prescription program except for malignancy associated pain diagnosed on histopathology or by an independent physician; prescriptions for benzodiazepines, anxiolytics, hypnotics, sedatives including chloral hydrate shall not exceed a period of10 days in a three month period for a given patient.
White Roger Tyler Restricted from prescribing medications of potential abuse including Triplicate Prescription Program medications and benzodiazepines.
Workun Shane Alex Restricted from prescribing triplicate prescriptions for in-patient or long-term patient for a maximum of two weeks.
Yakimets Walter W. Restricted from prescribing medications.
McDonald Norman Restricted from initiating current patient prescriptions for opioid analgesics including codeine, benzodiazepines and other anxiolytics, hypnotics and sedatives including chloral hydrate, zopiclone and other z-drugs unless prescribed as an anticonvulsant OR for a maximum of two weeks for a given patient in any three month period.
Pharmacists can contact the program for guidance if questions arise or advice is required in specific circumstances at TPPinfor@cpsa.ab.ca or at 1-800-561-3899.

FAQ

How do I register to prescribe TPP-listed medications?

Eligible prescribers (physicians, podiatric physicians, nurse practitioners, dentists and veterinarians) may apply to the program by completing the Physician registration form or the Medical Residents registration form.

Following registration, you will receive a personalized triplicate prescription pad with a re-order form included in the prescription pads or email TPPinfo@cpsa.ab.ca, or phone 1-800-561-3899 ext. 4939. Use only TPP prescription forms to prescribe TPP medications and avoid disruption in patient care.

Note: Only two pads (100 prescriptions) may be ordered at one time.

No.

Refer to Instructions for Using a Triplicate Prescription Pad (link to PDF to come as above). The prescriber retains the PRACTITIONER COPY (bottom). The top two parts of the form are used by the dispenser. The pharmacist or veterinarian clinic retains the PHARMACY COPY and forwards the CPSA COPY to the College of Physicians & Surgeons of Alberta (CPSA).

Prescribers should ensure the security of their TPP forms to avoid misuse by individuals seeking to improperly obtain TPP medications.

  • TPP forms are personalized and must not be shared. The prescriber’s name, business address, and a unique prescriber identification number are imprinted on the pads. The unique prescriber identification number is NOT the prescriber’s registration or license number.
  • When a prescriber retires, leaves practice, or leaves the province, unused TPP forms must be returned to the CPSA for proper destruction.
  • Prescribers who have no fixed business address (e.g., locums) are issued special TPP forms that identify the prescriber’s name and unique prescriber identification number. When issuing a TPP prescription, these prescribers must enter on the form the name of the medical clinic/hospital/professional for whom the prescriber is working, address and a contact number (telephone or pager).
  • LOST OR STOLEN TPP forms must be immediately reported to police and the CPSA. The CPSA will require the following information:
    • Date of loss or theft
    • TPP Prescription Number(s) of missing pad(s)
    • Name of the last patient prescribed a TPP medication
    • Police file number and investigating officer’s name and phone number

Yes. Call 780-969-4939, toll free (in Alberta) 1-800-561-3899 ext 4939 or e-mail TPPinfo@cpsa.ab.ca.

Click here for a downloadable sample patient treatment agreement and information on using the agreement to monitor the use of medications prescribed for chronic non-malignant pain conditions.

“Multi-doctoring” or “doctor shopping” is when a person seeks to obtain a prescription or a narcotic from a practitioner without informing the practitioner about every prescription or narcotic obtained by that person within the previous 30 days.

Both unlawful possession and obtaining multiple prescriptions for opioids and other prescription drugs, without proper disclosure, are criminal offences that can bring a fine of up to $1,000 or imprisonment for up to six months, or both, for a first offence (summary conviction). Penalties increase for subsequent convictions or possession of larger amounts (i.e. conviction for trafficking can bring life imprisonment).

For more information, refer to the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act, (1996, c. 19 C-38.8)

Yes, provided the TPP prescription form is used.

Please refer to the College’s Faxing Prescriptions standard of practice for more information. Note: Draft amendment to the standard is currently under review as Transmitting Prescriptions.

Yes. Call 780-969-4939, toll free (in Alberta) 1-800-561-3899 ext 4939 or e-mail TPPinfo@cpsa.ab.ca.

No.

For more information, call 1-800-320-8624 ext. 4942 or e-mail MethadoneInfo@cpsa.ab.ca

View the current list of TPP medications.

The triplicate form is considered part of the patient record. As such, the copy should be retained for the same period that a patient record must be maintained as per applicable legislation for your profession.

You should keep the prescriber’s copy within the patient’s record at your clinic. Refrain from leaving the form within the pad. Storing the copy within the pad can compromise patient confidentiality, especially in the case of loss or theft.

Your triplicate pad is issued to you as a prescriber. If you are moving practice, you should take your TPP pad with you and update the program at tppinfo@cpsa.ab.ca.

TPP Resources

WE CAN HELP

Physicians, pharmacists and other healthcare providers

Contact Triplicate Prescription Program

1-800-561-3899 (in Canada) ext. 4939

TPPInfo@cpsa.ab.ca

Patients

The College does not provide a list of physicians prescribing specific medications.

Other inquiries

Ed Jess, Director

Prescribing & Analytics

Ed.Jess@cpsa.ab.ca

780-969-4946