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). Previously, prescribers using PrescribeIT® had an exemption from the requirement to use the physical TPP Alberta pad form to prescribe TPP Type 1 medications while EMR vendors worked to implement a mandatory “indication for use” input field.
That exemption expired on June 30, 2025. As of July 1, 2025, prescribers must meet the mandatory requirement for an indication for use when prescribing TPP Type 1 medications via PrescribeIT®.
All pharmacy management systems in Alberta are capable of receiving an indication for prescriptions sent through PrescribeIT®, however not all EMRs require a prescriber to enter one. Prescribers using EMRs who do not conform to this requirement are not permitted to transmit prescriptions for Type 1 TPP medications using PrescribeIT® and must use a physical TPP prescription form.
Pharmacy teams are reminded that TPP Alberta requires that an indication be provided on every prescription for a Type 1 drug, regardless of the means of transmission to the pharmacy.
When receiving prescriptions for TPP Type 1 medications transmitted via PrescribeIT®, if the medication includes the indication for use anywhere on the prescription, including the comments or notes section, it may be accepted as a valid prescription. However, if it does not include an indication/reason for use, the prescription is not valid, and the pharmacist must contact the prescriber and request that a TPP pad form be issued for the medication.
For more information, visit the TPP Alberta website.
If you have questions about where to look for the indication on a TPP Type 1 prescription submitted via PrescribeIT®, reach out to your software provider.
