FAQ: Class Exemption for Controlled Substances during COVID-19


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The World Health Organization’s declaration on March 11, 2020, that the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) is now a pandemic and has marked a significant shift in the response from communities across Canada and at all levels of government.

In response to this evolving health risk, the Office of Controlled Substances has issued a short-term subsection 56(1) exemption from the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act in the public interest. This exemption authorizes pharmacists to prescribe, sell, or provide controlled substances in limited circumstances, or transfer prescriptions for controlled substances.

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