Triplicate Prescription Program (TPP)

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• What is the Triplicate Prescription Program (TPP)?

  • A program administered by the College of Physicians & Surgeons of Alberta, working in cooperation with pharmacists, dentists and veterinarians, to track the use of certain drugs with potential for misuse or abuse.
  • It is called the Triplicate Prescription Program because a personalized, three-part prescription form is required.
  • More information

• How do I apply?

  • Eligible prescribers (physicians, dentists and veterinarians) may apply to the program by completing the TPP registration form.
  • Medical residents application form - click here

• Is there any cost to apply?

  • No.

• Which drugs are included in the TPP program?

  • View the current list of TPP medications (click here).

• Where can I find a sample Opioid Medication Treatment Agreement?

  Click here for a downloadable sample patient treatment agreement and information on using the agreement to monitor the use of medications presecribed for chronic non-malignant pain conditions.

• Can TPP prescriptions be faxed to the pharmacist?

  • Yes, provided the TPP prescription form is used.
  • Please refer to the College’s Standards of Practice for more information on faxing prescriptions.

• Can I request a TPP profile on patients I’m treating?

  • Yes. Call 780-969-4937, toll free (in Alberta) 1-800-561-3899 ext 4937 or e-mail janet.wright@cpsa.ab.ca.
  • Note: Patient profiles can be useful for monitoring your patient’s use of triplicate drugs.

• Can a prescriber request their own TPP profile?

  • Yes. Call 780-969-4937, toll free (in Alberta) 1-800-561-3899 ext 4937 or e-mail janet.wright@cpsa.ab.ca.
  • Note: Physician-specific profiles can be used for quality improvement exercises.

• How do I order Triplicate Prescription forms?

  • At the time of registration with TPP (first time only), one pad for 50 prescriptions is issued.
  • A reorder form is included with the prescription pads or you can contact the TPP office directly.
  • Note: Only two pads (100 prescriptions) may be ordered at one time.

• Does a prescriber need to pay for their own Triplicate Prescription forms?

  • No.

• Will the College provide a list of physicians who prescribe specific drugs, such as methadone or narcotics, from the TPP medication list?

  • No.

• I have registered with the TPP program, can I also prescribe methadone?

  • No. Physicians must obtain a methadone exemption before prescribing methadone.
  • For more information, call 1-800-320-8624 ext. 4944 or e-mail methadoneinfo@cpsa.ab.ca

• What is "double doctoring"?

  • "Double-doctoring" or "doctor shopping" is when a person seeks to obtain a prescription or a narcotic from a practitioner without informing the practitioner about every prescription or narcotic obtained by that person within the previous 30 days. 
  • Both unlawful possession and obtaining multiple prescriptions for opioids and other prescription drugs, without proper disclosure, are criminal offences that can bring a fine of up to $1,000 or imprisonment for up to six months, or both, for a first offence (summary conviction). Penalties increase for subsequent convictions or possession of larger amounts (i.e., conviction for trafficking can bring life imprisonment). 
  • For more information, refer to the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act, (1996, c. 19 C-38.8)