Forward Regulatory Plan 2019-2021: Regulations Amending the Narcotic Control Regulations under the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act to make all products containing codeine available by prescription only while ensuring access to these medications
Title of Regulatory Initiative
Regulations Amending the Narcotic Control Regulations under the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act to make all products containing codeine available by prescription only while ensuring access to these medications
Enabling Act
Controlled Drugs and Substances Act
Description
Health Canada is proposing to amend the Narcotic Control Regulations under the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act to balance concerns that low-dose codeine can lead to dependence and problematic use, while ensuring that Canadians would be able to access it.
Regulatory cooperation efforts (domestic and international)
Not Applicable
Potential impacts on Canadians, including businesses
The proposed regulatory amendment applies to the health care sector and would balance concerns that low-dose codeine can lead to dependence and problematic use, while ensuring that Canadians would be able to access it.
Stakeholders that may be impacted by the change include: pharmacies, industry, Canadians, and health professionals.
Consultations
Canadians had the opportunity to provide comments on the proposed changes that would require all products containing codeine to be sold by prescription only, during the Notice to Interested Parties Canada Gazette public comment period, which started on September 9, 2017 and lasted 60 days.
Canadians will have the opportunity to provide comments on the regulatory proposal during the Canada Gazette, Part I public comment period, which is expected to take place in winter 2020 and last 70 days.
Information on previous consultations and details on upcoming opportunities for consultation in the area of controlled substances can be found on the Canada.ca website.
Further information
Additional information can be requested from the Departmental contact.
Departmental contact information
Jennifer Geduld
Manager
Controlled Substances Directorate
Controlled Substances and Cannabis Branch
Health Canada
Telephone: 613-316-2624
Email address: hc.csd.regulatory.policy-politique.reglementaire.dsc.sc@canada.ca
Date the regulatory initiative was first included in the Forward Regulatory Plan
October 1, 2018
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