Prescription Québec: what electronic prescriptions change for patients

On July 17, 2026, Santé Québec confirmed that Prescription Québec will continue rolling out with Canada Health Infoway. For patients, the main change is how a prescription moves between a prescriber and a participating pharmacy. It does not turn a refill request into a prescription automatically or replace clinical assessment.

Prescription Québec supports secure delivery to participating pharmacies, but rollout is gradual. Your pharmacy choice and the clinician’s renewal decision remain separate. (Read more)

What was just announced

Santé Québec says the project will continue under a new agreement with Canada Health Infoway. The solution is intended to support structured prescription delivery and communication between prescribers and community pharmacists. The Government of Quebec also says the provincial rollout is progressive. In practice, the experience may vary with the certified systems used by a clinic and pharmacy.

What an electronic prescription may simplify

The system connects certified electronic medical records with community-pharmacy systems. This can improve legibility, traceability and communication between professionals while preserving the patient’s choice of pharmacy. The Collège des médecins du Québec says an electronically generated drug prescription must go directly to a community pharmacy, or be printed, signed and given to the patient under the applicable rules.

What does not change

Digital infrastructure carries a decision; it does not make one. A professional still decides whether a new prescription or refill fits the circumstances. The pharmacy then has to receive, review and process it. Prescription Québec does not change the patient’s choice of pharmacy or the pharmacy’s preparation and delivery arrangements. Because rollout is gradual, it remains reasonable to ask which transmission method will be used.

Four details to confirm before the consultation ends

Provide the exact name and contact details of your pharmacy, then ask whether the prescription will be sent directly or provided on paper. Confirm the medication and request that were discussed without assuming the request was accepted. Ask when to contact the pharmacy and what to do if it cannot locate the prescription. These simple checks can reduce back-and-forth without promising a preparation time.

When a MedVibe request may match the intent

MedVibe’s prescription-refill service can receive a request about an existing non-controlled prescription. A practitioner reviews the form, relevant history and information provided before making any decision. Some circumstances or medication categories do not fit the service or may require an in-person assessment. A request does not mean that a refill, prescription or specific timeline will follow.

If your concern is urgent, symptoms are worsening quickly or there is immediate danger, call 911 or go to an emergency department. For non-urgent advice in Quebec or help choosing the appropriate resource, call 811.