What must be available for more frequent dispensing under ODB?

For more frequent dispensing under the Ontario Drug Benefit (ODB) program, having documentation related to medication management is crucial because it ensures that the pharmacist can verify the necessity and appropriateness of the medication being dispensed. This documentation serves as a critical measure to safeguard against potential misuse or overutilization of medications, providing evidence that supports the decision for increased dispensing frequency.

While patient consent can be an important element in other aspects of pharmaceutical care, and a new prescription is typically required for dispensing any medication, the focus for increasing the frequency of dispensing is primarily on ensuring that there is proper documentation that outlines the patient's medication management needs. Insurance approval may be necessary for reimbursement purposes but does not directly pertain to the criteria for more frequent dispensing under ODB.

Overall, maintaining thorough documentation related to medication management helps ensure that patient care is optimized and aligns with best practices, reflecting the pharmacist's commitment to safe and effective medication use.