Pharmacy loyalty programs in Canada
Pharmacy loyalty programs in Canada, which offer incentives such as points, discounts, or rewards to customers, are regulated at the provincial level. These regulations primarily focus on whether such incentives can be applied to prescription medications and professional pharmacy services. Here's an overview of the current landscape across various provinces:
Provinces Prohibiting Incentives on Prescriptions:
- British Columbia (BC): Since January 2016, the College of Pharmacists of BC has enforced a prohibition on providing incentives—including money, gifts, discounts, or loyalty points—in relation to prescription medications and pharmacy services. This measure aims to ensure that patient care decisions are based solely on health considerations. BC Pharmacists Association
- Alberta: In 2014, the Alberta College of Pharmacists (ACP) introduced amendments to its Code of Ethics and Standards of Practice, prohibiting pharmacists from offering inducements related to prescription medications and professional services. Although initially challenged in court, the ACP's authority to enforce these amendments was upheld by the Court of Appeal in 2017. Norton Rose Fulbright
- Ontario: The Ontario College of Pharmacists prohibits awarding bonus points, loyalty points, or air miles on prescriptions, prescription services, or other professional services related to the practice of pharmacy. This policy has been in place since July 2004. OCP Info
- Quebec: Quebec implemented a prohibition on pharmacy incentives in 1981, reaffirming it in 2008, to maintain the integrity of pharmacy practice and ensure patient care decisions are not influenced by promotional offers. https://www.mondaq.com/canada/food-and-drugs-law/721352/quebec-unveils-exceptions-to-the-prohibition-on-loyalty-programs
- New Brunswick: Effective June 18, 2022, the New Brunswick College of Pharmacists amended its regulations to prohibit consumer incentives related to prescriptions and pharmacy services, aligning with practices in other provinces. New Brunswick Pharmacists
- Prince Edward Island (PEI): PEI implemented legislation in 2012 prohibiting the use of incentives for prescriptions and pharmacy services, aiming to uphold professional standards within the pharmacy sector.
- Newfoundland and Labrador: Since 1998, reaffirmed in 2008, Newfoundland and Labrador have prohibited pharmacy incentives related to prescriptions and professional services to maintain ethical pharmacy practices.
Provinces Allowing Incentives on Prescriptions (with Considerations):
- Manitoba: As of September 2023, Manitoba remains among the few provinces allowing customer rewards at the drug counter. However, the College of Pharmacists of Manitoba (CPhM) is considering a ban on pharmacy inducements, including loyalty points, gifts, and other rewards, to align with national trends prioritizing patient care over promotional incentives. Winnipeg Free Press
- Nova Scotia: Pharmacies in Nova Scotia currently permit loyalty rewards on prescription purchases. However, discussions are ongoing, and changes may occur as the province evaluates its stance in relation to national practices. Yahoo News
- Saskatchewan: pharmacies are currently allowed to offer loyalty programs and incentives on prescriptions. https://saskpharm.ca/document/11773/ARC_SCPP_Bylaws_Regulatory_20220128.pdf
National Trends and Considerations:
The trend across Canada has been toward prohibiting incentives related to prescriptions and pharmacy services, with more than 90% of Canadians residing in provinces where such practices are banned. These measures are intended to ensure that patient care decisions are made based on health needs rather than promotional influences, maintaining the integrity and professionalism of pharmacy practice nationwide.
Implications for Consumers:
- Over-the-Counter (OTC) Products: In most provinces, pharmacies may offer loyalty programs for OTC products and general merchandise, as the prohibitions primarily apply to prescription medications and professional services.
- Program Terms: Consumers should review the terms and conditions of any pharmacy loyalty programs to understand which purchases are eligible for rewards, especially considering varying provincial regulations.
- Stay Informed: As regulations can evolve, it's advisable for consumers to stay informed about current policies by consulting their provincial pharmacy regulatory authority's official communications and guidelines.
In summary, while pharmacy loyalty programs are prevalent in Canada, their applicability to prescription medications and professional services varies by province, with a significant number enforcing prohibitions to prioritize patient health and uphold ethical standards in pharmacy practice.
No more reward points for B.C. pharmacy customers, courts rule | CTV News