Drug System Reforms
Exceptional Access Program
The Ontario Drug Formulary lists 3,800 drugs, and that number continues to grow. Nevertheless, there are still situations that arise in which patients need drugs that are not listed. That is why, in Ontario, we have the Exceptional Access Program.
The Exceptional Access Program is designed to facilitate patient access, in unusual circumstances, to drugs approved for sale in Canada but not listed on the Ontario Formulary. The request must be made by a physician, and he or she must demonstrate why there is a need for the drug.
Patients belonging to one of the following groups are eligible for consideration for exceptional access funding, provided they have an Ontario health card.
- people 65 years of age and older;
- residents of long-term care homes;
- residents of Homes for Special Care;
- people receiving professional services under the Home Care program;
- social assistance recipients (Ontario Works or Ontario Disability Support Program recipients);
- Trillium Drug Program registrants
All requests made under the Exceptional Access Program are reviewed according to guidelines recommended by the Committee to Evaluate Drugs and are then subject to approval by the Executive Officer for Public Drug Programs. The Committee to Evaluate Drugs guidelines reflect the most current clinical evidence and the review involves a thorough assessment of the clinical value, safety, and cost‑effectiveness of a drug compared to existing treatments.
For More Information
Call ServiceOntario, Infoline at 1-866-532-3161
TTY 1-800-387-5559.
In Toronto, TTY 416-327-4282
Hours of operation : 8:30am - 5:00pm
If you are a member of the media, call Communications and Information Branch at 416-314-6197, go to http://drugreforms.mohmedia.ca/ or visit our News Room section.
