Program Policies
The Prescription Monitoring Board is responsible to provide policy direction to its Administrator to guide the day-to-day operation of the Nova Scotia Prescription Monitoring Program. A standard policy template is utilized to ensure a consistent format for all policies and to provide content guidance when policy is being developed. The Board reviews each of its policies at least once every five years.
Alert Issuance Policy and Guidelines
Download FileThe Nova Scotia Prescription Monitoring Program has the responsibility to provide a process by which prescribers and pharmacists can be quickly notified in the event of active efforts by an individual or group to gain access to monitored drugs for the purposes of misuse or abuse.
Annual Business Planning Policy and Guideline
Download FileThe development, approval, implementation, and ongoing evaluation of an annual business plan are essential for the continued growth and success of the Prescription Monitoring Program. The purpose of this policy is to provide a framework for these important activities.
Board Effectiveness Assessment Policy and Guidelines
Download FileThe purpose of this policy is to provide the Board with an opportunity each year to examine how it is operating and to make suggestions for improvement.
Budgeting Policy
Download FileThe purpose of this policy is to describe the budgeting process, parameters and related reporting for the Prescription Monitoring Board/Program.
Committee Structure Policy
Download FileThe purpose of this policy is to describe the committee structure to support (a) the board’s governance of the Program, and (b) the operations of the Program.
Complaints Management Policy and Guidelines
Download FileThe purpose of this policy is to provide guidance to the Administrator in managing complaints received by the Program.
Confidentiality Policy and Guidelines
Download FileThe objective of this policy is to establish the Prescription Monitoring Board’s expectations concerning the protection its confidential information.
Conflict of Interest Policy and Guidelines
Download FileThe integrity of the organization’s decision-making may be compromised by a real or perceived conflict of interest on the part of any of its directors, committee members or the administrator. Trust and confidence in the board, committee members or the administrator can only be sustained if all forms of conflict of interest are identified, disclosed and resolved.
Data Integrity Policy and Guidelines
Download FileThe purpose of this policy is to document the processes utilized by the Administrator to ensure data integrity in the collection, storage, analysis and reporting of information on behalf of the Program.
Duplicate Prescription Pad Disposal Policy & Guidelines
Download FileThe purpose of this policy is to provide guidelines around the disposal of unused duplicate prescription pads and ensure compliance to the Program's legislation.
Governance Charter
Download FileIn addition to legal duties defined by common law or by statute, it is now widely accepted best practice for governing boards to adopt an explicit description of their key stewardship responsibilities (commonly referred to as a “governance charter”).
Human Resources Policy
Download FileThe purpose of this policy is to ensure that the Program will be administered by qualified and motivated people and that a continuity of leadership will be available to continuously advance the Program’s objects.
Licensing Authority Addition to NSPMP
Download FileThe purpose of this policy is to outline the requirements of the licensing authority of a health profession that has been granted the authority to prescribe monitored drugs under Canada's Controlled Drugs and Substances Act (S.C. 1996, c.19) and has applied for inclusion in the Program.
Management of the Monitored Drug List Policy & Guidelines
Download FileThe purpose of this policy is to establish a process by which the list of monitored drugs is reviewed on a scheduled and consistent basis to ensure compliance with the Program’s legislation.
Orientation and Education Policy
Download FileThe purpose of this policy is to establish board norms relating to director orientation and ongoing education.
Policy Template and Approval Policy
Download FileThe purpose of this policy is to establish the template for Program policies and to provide the Board with an opportunity to review all Program policies on a regular basis.
Privacy Policy and Guidelines
Download FileIn managing information, the Nova Scotia Prescription Monitoring Program (the "Program") has a responsibility to (a) be accountable to the public for the information it collects and manages; (b) protect the privacy of each individual whose information they hold and to afford the individual appropriate access to that information; and (c) use and share information, including information regarding the prescribing and dispensing of monitored durgs, to effectively promote the appropriate use of monitored drugs and the reduction of the abuse and misuse of monitored drugs.
Risk Management Policy
Download FileThe objective of this policy is to safeguard the board’s and the Program’s assets and interests during the conduct of their operations.
Stakeholder Relations and Communication Policy
Download FileThe purpose of this policy is to establish minimum standards for how the Board and the Program will communicate openly about our plans, performance, values and services to its stakeholders.
Strategic Planning Policy and Guidelines
Download FileThe development, approval, implementation and ongoing evaluation of a strategic plan are essential for the continued growth and success of the Prescription Monitoring Program. The purpose of this policy is to provide a framework for these important activities.
Submission of Prescription Data to the NSPMP
Download FileThe Submission of Prescription Data to the NSPMP policy provides guidelines around the timely submission of prescription data by pharmacists and dispensers.
Values and Ethics Policy
Download FileThe purpose of this policy is to define the values that are important in the operation of the Program and to clearly articulate the standards of ethical conduct expected of the board, Committee members and the administrator in the carrying out of their respective responsibilities regarding the Program.
Working with Law Enforcement Policy & Guidelines
Download FileThe purpose of this policy is to provide guidance to the Administrator when working with law enforcement.
