TRIPLICATE PRESCRIPTION PROGRAM (TPP)

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.

Physicians who wish to prescribe buprenorphine/naloxone for opioid dependent patients in Alberta must be registered to prescribe Triplicate Prescription Program drugs. Completion of an online buprenorphine/naloxone prescribing course is strongly encouraged.

To prescribe methadone, additional requirements must be satisfied. Please refer to Methadone Prescribing for more information or email 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.