OCP Outlines Pharmacy Technician Changes Ahead of October 1 Controlled Substances Regulations
OCP has outlined upcoming controlled-substance responsibilities for pharmacy technicians. Pharmacy teams should prepare their procedures before the October 1, 2026 effective date.
In this article & details
In guidance published September 1, 2026, the Ontario College of Pharmacists outlined changes relevant to community and hospital pharmacy teams when the new federal Controlled Substances Regulations take effect on October 1, 2026.
OCP identifies new authorities for pharmacy technicians and intern technicians involving verbal prescriptions, receipt of controlled substances, prescription transfers and destruction. Ordering controlled substances remains a pharmacist responsibility.
Practice guidance for pharmacists
- Review OCP’s October 1 resources with technicians before changing workflows.
- Update procedures for receiving verbal controlled-substance prescriptions.
- Separate authority to receive shipments from authority to place orders.
- Review transfer documentation and destruction-witness procedures against the new guidance.
These are upcoming changes: use the applicable current requirements until the effective date.
References
- New Controlled Substances Regulations Take Effect October 1, 2026: What Pharmacy Technicians Need to Know — Ontario College of Pharmacists, September 1, 2026
