How are triplicate (duplicate) prescriptions handled in Connect Care?

Question: How should prescribers handle tracked (triplicate or duplicate) prescriptions required for outpatient use of controlled substances?

Context: The Alberta Tracked Prescription Program (TPP, tppalberta.ca) monitors use of prescription drugs prone to abuse. It does this by ensuring that such prescriptions are handwritten to prescription pads with security features and copies. Please note that the Connect Care workflow for sending prescriptions directly to community pharmacies via electronic fax ("eFax") cannot be used for prescriptions for drugs classified as Type 1 under the TPP, except for the below physical TPP prescription pad exemptions that are in effect as of September 2, 2026:

• inpatient discharges from acute care facilities using Connect Care when the prescriber is working on-site; and
• providing care to patients at Recovery Alberta’s Opioid Dependency Program (ODP) clinics, when the prescriber is working virtually or on-site, and only when prescribing methadone or slow-release oral morphine (not other Type 1 medications).

All other TPP Type 1 medication prescriptions still require the use of a paper TPP secure prescription form, and prescribers must follow TPP requirements for managing tracked prescription copies and records:

• TPP: Program Guide

Answer: The acceptable workflow is as follows:

• Order all prescriptions in Connect Care, including TPP specified Type 1 controlled substances.
• Physical TPP prescription pad exemptions: Use the Discharge Navigator to enable the eFax option for exempt TPP Type 1 medication prescriptions.
• Tip: Direct Electronic Fax of Prescriptions from Connect Care to Community Pharmacies
• All non-exempt TPP Type 1 medication prescriptions:
• Write out a manual (handwritten) TPP prescription (3-part or newer 2-part TPP pad) for specified Type 1 controlled substances.
• Record the TPP prescription identification number (unique to each prescription) in Connect Care (ideally in the comments field of the actual order).
• Do ONE of the following with the original (paper) pharmacy/TPP prescription (see guide):
• Option 1: Provide to patient and do not fax to pharmacy.
• Option 2: Fax to the patient's one chosen pharmacy, marking "FAXED" on the prescription and do not provide to the patient.
• Continue to protect the TPP (duplicate or triplicate) pad with its copy of the hand-written original.
• Destroy any leftover copies or artefacts. 

The Connect Care tracked prescription order constitutes the official record. It is NOT necessary to scan or otherwise copy the paper TPP prescription to attach to the Connect Care digital record.