PrescribeIT, the e-prescribing service which allows physicians to electronically transmit prescriptions from patients’ electronic medical records, directly to pharmacies, is winding down operations in May. An as-yet unidentified national e-prescribing standard is expected to take its place.
The transition period is short, with PrescribeIT’s operations concluding on May 29, 2026. “On or before May 1, 2026, the national e-prescribing standard will be made publicly available,” PrescribeIT’s frequently asked questions notes.
“Following extensive collaboration and a comprehensive review of sustainability options, the pathway forward for e-prescribing in Canada is to move to a publicly available, national e-prescribing standard,” they add, saying no viable model has emerged to support the continued operation of a single, centrally managed, national service.
In 2024, Canada Health Infoway, a federally funded not-for-profit organization with a mandate to accelerate the development and adoption of digital health solutions across Canada (also PrescribeIT’s operator), attempted without success to identify a party or consortium interested in investing in PrescribeIT through a joint venture, acquisition or other structure where the selected partner would operate the service going forward.
“Work will continue with governments, vendors, clinicians and pharmacies to support an orderly conclusion of the PrescribeIT service and the continued advancement of digital prescribing as part of Canada’s broader health ecosystem,” the PrescribeIT’s service update continues.
The Canadian Pharmacists Association (CPHA) in a statement says its members view the wind-down of PrescribeIT and the transition to an open, standards-based model, as an opportunity “to reset our national approach to e-prescribing and address longstanding sustainability and governance challenges.”
They add that the association has long supported the advancement of e-prescribing. “At the same time, we have raised concerns about aspects of the PrescribeIT model, including its long-term sustainability and the introduction of per-transaction fees that placed additional financial pressure on pharmacies – particularly independent pharmacies.”
The association also notes that strong governance will be needed during the transition, advocating for a solution that is collaboratively governed. The PrescribeIT website says from May 30, 2026 onward, the national e-prescribing standard will continue to be maintained by Infoway.
