Who is responsible for completing a Special Access request?

The responsibility for completing a Special Access request lies primarily with the doctor. This is because Special Access requests are designed to provide healthcare professionals with access to drugs that are not readily available in Canada or have not been approved for sale but are necessary for treating a patient with a serious or life-threatening condition.

The physician plays a critical role in this process as they are responsible for assessing the patient's specific medical needs and determining whether the unapproved medication is appropriate for their treatment. They must provide the necessary clinical information and justification for the request, demonstrating that standard therapies have been inadequate.

While pharmacy technicians, hospital administrators, and nurses may play supportive roles in the context of the healthcare team, such as facilitating the process or gathering information, it is the physician who initiates and formally completes the Special Access request. This ensures that the safety and efficacy of the treatment align with the patient’s medical conditions and broader regulatory requirements.