Forgeries

Healthcare professionals have professional and ethical responsibilities to take steps to address forgeries to help support appropriate drug use and prevent drug diversion, maintain the integrity of the drug delivery system and lessen related public health risks. 

Whether you are a prescriber or dispenser, all confirmed forgeries for TPP-monitored medications should be reported to the Tracked Prescription Program (TPP) Alberta. TPP Alberta will complete appropriate documentation and provide you with specific steps to take. Please include as much detail as possible when reporting a prescription forgery. 

Information for Dispensers

If you suspect or can confirm that you’ve received a forged prescription, please follow the guidance provided by the Alberta College of Pharmacy. It is highly encouraged to contact and collaborate with the prescriber and/or other healthcare professional(s) involved. 

If the forged prescription has been dispensed, it must be reported to local law enforcement immediately and to the Office of Controlled Substances no later than 10 working days after its discovery. For more information, visit the Health Canada website. 

Information for Prescribers

If you are alerted of a suspected forged prescription using your TPP prescription form, it’s important to confirm the forgery by: 

  • Requesting a copy of the forged prescription from the pharmacy.

  • Identifying any discrepancies from legitimate prescriptions under your name.

  • Documenting the forgery in your records, including date and time of presentation to the pharmacy and patient information.

It is highly encouraged to collaborate with the pharmacy that received and/or filled the forged prescription, including:

  • Sharing applicable details with the pharmacy staff so that they can identify possible future forgeries under your name.

  • Providing direction to the pharmacy staff on the steps you would like taken for suspected forgeries received under your name in the future (e.g. how best to contact you for verification).

  • Confirm who will complete notifications, as appropriate, to:

    • Law enforcement

    • The Alberta College of Pharmacy

    • Health Canada

See forgery FAQs >>

 

Report a forgery

Please note you will be redirected to CPSA’s website for security purposes, as the reporting form contains personal information.