Update: new TPP pad exemptions
To prescribe medications on the TPP-monitored Type 1 list, prescribers must be registered with TPP Alberta and use a physical TPP Alberta secure prescription pad.
Under certain circumstances, TPP Alberta will provide facilities, clinics or e-technologies with exemptions from using physical TPP pads to prescribe TPP-monitored Type 1 medications.
What you need to know: new TPP pad exemptions across Alberta
At the April 2026 TPP Alberta Steering Committee meeting, the Committee agreed to provide TPP pad exemptions to the following facility and clinic types across the province. Please review the following exemption details carefully, as they apply only to specific prescription types and scenarios.
Inpatient discharges from all acute care facilities using Connect Care:
Prescribers working on-site are exempt from using physical TPP pads to prescribe TPP-monitored Type 1 medications and can use Connect Care to securely eFax prescriptions directly to community pharmacies.
Exemptions only apply to inpatient discharges using Connect Care.
Exemptions only apply when prescribers are discharging patients from acute care facilities using Connect Care.
Exemptions do not include emergency departments or ambulatory clinics using Connect Care.
Recovery Alberta’s Opioid Dependency Program (ODP) clinics:
Prescribers working virtually or on-site at Recovery Alberta’s ODP clinics are exempt from using physical TPP pads to prescribe methadone and slow-release oral morphine only and can use Connect Care to securely eFax prescriptions directly to pharmacies.
Exemptions only apply when prescribers are providing care to patients at Recovery Alberta’s ODP sites, either virtually or on-site, while using Connect Care.
Exemptions do not apply to prescriptions for other TPP-monitored Type 1 medications or compounded medications.
Additional details
Exemptions take effect on Wednesday, September 2, 2026.
TPP prescription pad exemptions eliminate duplicate prescription entry and reduce discrepancies between TPP pads and prescriber software systems. By reducing transcription errors and administrative tasks, these exemptions allow healthcare providers to devote more time to patient care and support safer prescribing practices.
Other important information for all prescribers
All prescribers are required to register with TPP Alberta to prescribe TPP-monitored, Type 1 medications. Register with TPP Alberta here >
All prescribers are required to order their own TPP pad and have it available to use in the event that Connect Care is not available. Order your TPP pad here >
Questions? You are welcome to reach out to the TPP Alberta team at TPP.Info@cpsa.ab.ca.
