A new method going forward
The College of Physicians and Surgeons of BC has updated the way in which prescribing privileges are issued to postgraduate residents entering UBC training programs.
Note: this change will not impact existing UBC residents, resident electives, postgraduate trainees, or postgraduate fellows.
New residents starting in July 2021 or later will be granted prescribing privileges as part of their CPSBC licensing applications. A question and attestation will be included in the online application for postgraduate resident registration and licensure to ensure that all new residents have these privileges immediately upon entry into a UBC training program.
If there are any residents entering UBC residency who should not be granted prescription privileges, please notify the PGME Office so this can be communicated to CPSBC.
New for 2023: Residents prescribing medication (including narcotics, but not methadone) can order a prescription pad that will include their printed name and CPSID should they require one. Prescription pads will not be automatically ordered or sent to new residents.
How to order prescription pads:
- Residents can order prescription pads through their online CPSBC account or through the form available on the CPSBC website at any time. Prescription pad requests will only be processed once residents have an active license and will be delivered approximately 7-10 business days from processing date.
- All registrants must have a business address listed with the College in their CPSBC account. Residents will need to log into their profile through the College website to add their practice location as their business address. A business address is a clinic or hospital address, not a home address as this information is made public. The PGME Office address is not an appropriate business address either. It is the registrant’s responsibility to maintain the currency of the business address and business telephone number on their CPSBC account.
- Post graduate residents are required to add the name of their supervising physician to the prescription at the time it is issued.
- All registrants need to be in a current residency training program which is not ending soon.
Note: Visiting resident electives do not get prescribing privileges for outpatient prescriptions. All outpatient prescriptions would need to be countersigned by a supervisor or attending physician.
For residents who registered before July 2021 and for Postgraduate Fellows and Postgraduate Trainees, UBC Program Administrators need to submit requests by completing the forms on behalf of the applicant. These can then be sent to the UBC PGME Office. Forms can be found on the CPSBC website at the bottom of the page.
PGME staff to send your request to:
Delfa Balagot Existing UBC residents who registered before July 1, 2021 and are applying for prescription privileges for the first time
Ann Nguyen Clinical Fellows
