Subsection 56(1) Class Exemption for Nurse Practitioners to Prescribe Anabolic Steroids for Therapeutic Use

Pursuant to subsection 56(1) of the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act (CDSA), nurse practitioners are exempt from 5(1) and 5(2) of the CDSA to the extent necessary to allow them to:

• prescribe and possess a substance set out in item 1 of Part III of the schedule to Part G of the Food and Drug Regulations, if they are permitted to prescribe the substance, in their practice under the laws of the province in which they are registered and entitled to practice.

In respect of this exemption, the terms used have the same meaning as those provided in the CDSA and its regulations.

The exemption may be suspended without prior notice if the Minister deems that such suspension is necessary to protect public health or public or public safety.

The Minister may revoke the exemption if the Minister believes that it is no longer necessary.

This exemption will remain in effect until:

• The date on which this exemption is replaced by another exemption, or
• The date of revocation.

Signed for and on behalf of the Minister of Mental Health and Addictions and Associate Minister of Health.

Carol Anne Chénard
Acting Director General
Controlled Substances Directorate
Health Canada

Effective Date: November 29, 2023