Update: PrescribeIT® and TPP Type 1 prescribing requirements
Prescribers and pharmacists are reminded that TPP Alberta requires an indication for use to be documented on every TPP Type 1 prescription, regardless of the means of transmission to the pharmacy.
PrescribeIT® is a pan-Canadian e-prescribing service that enables prescribers to electronically transmit prescriptions from electronic medical record (EMR) systems to pharmacy management systems (PMS).
Expectations for prescribers
Prescribers using PrescribeIT® were provided an exemption from the prescribing requirement to use physical TPP pads to issue TPP Type 1 medications while EMR vendors worked to implement a mandatory “Indication for Use” input field. This exemption expired on June 30, 2025, and as of July 1, 2025, prescribers using EMRs that do not comply with the mandatory “Indication for Use” input field are not permitted to electronically transmit prescriptions for TPP Type 1 medications using PrescribeIT® and must use physical TPP pad forms.
The TPP pad form prescription can be either faxed to the pharmacy or provided directly to the patient. A list of facilities and programs exempt from use of the TPP forms can be found on the TPP Alberta website here. Prescribers are encouraged to speak to their clinic administrator or software provider if they have concerns about the limitations of their EMR.
Expectations for pharmacists
All pharmacy management systems in Alberta have conformed to be able to process prescriptions sent through PrescribeIT®.
When pharmacies receive prescriptions for TPP Type 1 medications transmitted through PrescribeIT®, the prescriptions may be accepted as valid if the medications’ indication for use is included anywhere on the prescription, including in the comments or notes section. However, if the prescriptions do not include an indication/reason for use, they are not valid, and the pharmacist must contact the prescriber and request that a TPP pad form be issued for the medication, ensuring all required elements for a TPP Type 1 prescription are met.
Questions? Please contact the TPP Alberta team at tpp.info@cpsa.ab.ca.
