Rethinking the Guidelines

Phase 1 public comments now available!

Phase 1 of Rethinking the Guidelines closed on October 31, 2016. Please scroll down to view the submissions we received.

Canada, like many countries, is facing escalating health care costs as payers struggle to reconcile finite drug budgets with patient access to promising new health technologies. Improving affordability and access to prescription drugs is a key Government of Canada commitment and a joint federal, provincial, and territorial priority.

As a first step to framework modernization, the Patented Medicine Prices Review Board (PMPRB) is undertaking major consultations regarding possible reform of its Compendium of Policies, Guidelines and Procedures, commonly referred to as “the Guidelines.”

During Phase 1 of this consultation initiative, the PMPRB asked for your input on how we can rethink the Guidelines in order to improve our performance in ensuring that pharmaceutical patent holders do not charge excessive prices. We are now analyzing the feedback we received. The PMPRB Guidelines Modernization Discussion Paper and discussion questions are still available online for those who wish to consult them.

Phase 2 of the consultation process is expected to consist of a public policy hearing before the Board, where stakeholders who commented on the Discussion Paper will have the opportunity to speak to their written submissions. Timelines for Phase 2 will be announced at a later date.

By Rethinking the Guidelines, the PMPRB seeks to contribute to a sustainable pharmaceutical system where payers have the information they need to make smart reimbursement choices and Canadians can afford the medicines they need to live healthy and productive lives.

The Consultation process
Phase Steps Proposed Timelines Status

Phase 1: Consult with stakeholders on issues

Publish Discussion Paper

Meet with various stakeholder groups across Canada

Obtain written comments from stakeholders and the public on questions in the discussion paper

Gather and analyze all results from Phase 1 of consultation

Summer/fall 2016

Completed (October 31, 2016)

Phase 2: Engage stakeholders and gather expert input

Public Policy Hearing – invite stakeholders to appear before the Board and make representations in support of their written submissions

 To be announced

 

Phase 3: Presentation of proposed changes

Publication of proposed changes to Guidelines for comment through Notice and Comment Process

Strike multi-stakeholder forum(s) on specific issues and proposed changes to the Guidelines

 To be announced

 

Phase 1 public submissions

Follow us on Twitter @PMPRB_CEPMB and at the hashtag #RethinkingtheGuidelines for updates and additional announcements, or contact us for more information.

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