Glossary

Samples of prescription medications are often provided by pharmaceutical companies to specific authorized healthcare providers free of charge. According to the Food and Drug Act, drug samples can be distributed to physicians, nurse practitioners^[1], pharmacists, dentists and veterinarians under certain conditions. These authorized prescribers can then provide drug samples to clients when needed. Graduate nurses and registered nurses can distribute drug samples only under an authorized prescriber’s order or care directive. Employer policies pertaining to the distribution of drug samples should address their procurement, storage, access, distribution/supplying and proper disposal.