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WorkSafeNB Opioid Review Process (Policy 25-012)

When WorkSafeNB rejects payment for an opioid, because quantity limits were exceeded, the duration needs more clinical information, or several prescribers or pharmacies are involved, this handbook is how payment can be reconsidered. Appendix A to Policy 25-012, Medical Aid: Opioids, it has pharmacist and physician sections and is also required for ongoing approval outside standard coverage.

Who completes it

The pharmacist completes three sections with the client, including informed consent and the therapeutic agreement; the prescribing physician completes four, covering the pain generator, treatments tried, the Opioid Risk Tool, informed consent and the therapeutic agreement. The client signs their chosen next step.

Submitting and payment

How to submit it
Fax all completed sections to WorkSafeNB and keep the originals in the chart. Authorization depends on receiving both the pharmacist and physician forms, and WorkSafeNB cannot grant telephone authorization.
Who pays
WorkSafeNB pays the pharmacy an education fee per claim per year once all three pharmacy sections arrive, and the physician an office visit fee once all four physician sections are complete.

Good to know

  • The physician section replaces the regular progress form for that visit, so no Form 10 or Form 10P is needed.
  • Under Policy 25-012, effective March 18, 2025, approvals for opioids beyond the first two weeks or outside the formulary are reviewed every four weeks, and prescriptions past 12 weeks need a validated functional assessment.
  • Standard coverage is limited to the first two weeks after injury or hospital discharge at up to 50 mg morphine equivalents a day, occupational cancer, or terminal occupational disease.
  • While the review is under way, the client chooses to withdraw the prescription, pay for it themselves, or put it on hold, and WorkSafeNB is not obliged to reimburse.

Get the official form

Download the current version from the source each time; forms change without notice.

WorkSafeNB Opioid Review Process

Processus d'examen de la thérapie par les opiacés – Travail sécuritaire NB

Official pagePDFVersion française

Fill it with Vero

If your copy of the form is a fillable PDF, upload it once and Vero Documents fills it from the visit note and the chart, ready for you to review and sign. Download, print, or email the finished form, with the patient’s consent.

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Frequently asked questions

Why would a patient need the WorkSafeNB Opioid Review Process?

It starts when WorkSafeNB rejects payment for an opioid at the pharmacy, for example because the patient reached a quantity limit, the drug is a non-benefit, or several physicians are prescribing or pharmacies dispensing. Additional information from the pharmacist and physician is then needed before payment can be considered.

Can WorkSafeNB approve opioids by phone?

No. The handbook states that WorkSafeNB is unable to grant telephone authorization, and that authorization depends on receiving the forms from both the pharmacist and the physician. A WorkSafeNB medical advisor reviews the case once both have arrived.

Is the Opioid Review Process available in French?

Yes. WorkSafeNB publishes the French Appendix A, Processus d'examen de la thérapie par les opiacés, on its French-language site. The handbook was developed with the New Brunswick Medical Society and the New Brunswick Pharmacists' Association.