Ontario Public Drug Programs

See Ontario Drug Benefit Act

The application of interchangeable designations to drug products that are not listed as Ontario Drug Benefit (ODB) benefits in the Formulary.  OFI became effective April 1, 2007 when changes to Regulation 935 under the Drug Interchangeability and Dispensing Fee Act (DIDFA) came into force.  The CED or the Ministry approves listed off-formulary interchangeable drug products. Once the Executive Officer approves them, they are deemed interchangeable with the name-brand non-benefit products.

See Off-Formulary Interchangeability

The Ontario Drug Benefit (ODB) program is one of the most generous drug benefit programs in Canada, reimbursing patients for more than 4,400 drug products, including nutrition products and diabetic testing agents. Non-Formulary drug products are also considered for coverage on a case-by-case basis, through the Ministry's Exceptional Access Program.

The ODB program provides community-based/outpatient drug coverage to Ontario residents with valid Ontario Health Cards. Deductibles and co-payments vary according to the category of recipient, including:

• seniors (those aged 65 or older);
• people on social assistance (Ontario Disability Support Program and/or Ontario Works);
• people residing in special-care homes  and long-term care facilities;
• people receiving professional home care services and;
• registrants in the Trillium Drug Program (TDP).

The Ontario Drug Benefit Act and its accompanying regulation, Ontario Regulation 201/96, allows the Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care to pay pharmacies, dispensing physicians and other providers to supply drug products and other substances to eligible persons.  This Act also stipulates who is eligible for benefits, what drugs are included and the prices the government will pay for listed drugs.  The Act specifies the applicable dispensing fees and appoints inspectors to examine the records of drug manufacturers and pharmacists and to levy penalties when necessary.

A situation during a research study when both the researcher and the participant know which treatment the participant is receiving.

A measure of the results that may stem from exposure to a preventive or therapeutic intervention. Outcome measures may be intermediate endpoints or they can be final endpoints. See Endpoint.

The time from clinical trial randomization until death from any cause. Overall survival provides the most objective measurement of how efficacious a treatment is. It is also the preferred endpoint for clinical trials because it has the greatest relevance to patients.