About the Nova Scotia Prescription Monitoring Program

The NSPMP tracks the utilization of monitored drugs in the province and provides reporting and support services that promote good prescribing practices and inform research activities.

The collection of prescription data will inform prescribers and other program stakeholders about prescribing practices and use of the drugs in Nova Scotia. These learnings can help to reduce associated risks such as interactions with other medications, over-sedation, and potential injury or overdose.

The NSPMP currently monitors various drugs also listed under the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act (Canada), such as opioids and stimulants, and benzodiazepines.

The NSPMP’s Strategic Plan also prioritizes support for the goals and objectives of the Nova Scotia Opioid Use and Overdose Framework. NSPMP will work with partners and stakeholder groups to support the First Prescription Initiative and tailor monitoring approaches to focus on initial prescriptions of opioids and help prevent overprescribing for acute pain.

Governance

In addition to meeting the requirements established by legislation, the Nova Scotia Prescription Monitoring Board is accountable to provide effective stewardship and strategic leadership for the Program. To achieve this, the Board operates under a Governance Charter, which clearly defines its governance responsibilities. The Board also maintains a Program structure and a policy framework to achieve its governance responsibilities and to support its mandate of promoting the appropriate use, and reducing the abuse and misuse, of monitored drugs in Nova Scotia.