What does the ODB Act allow a pharmacy to do if a patient requests a brand-name drug without a substitution?

The Ontario Drug Benefit (ODB) Act allows a pharmacy to collect the difference between the drug benefit price and the higher cost when a patient requests a brand-name drug without substitution. This provision is in place to ensure that when a patient specifically requests a brand-name drug—despite the availability of a less expensive generic equivalent—the pharmacy can charge the patient for the additional cost incurred.

This practice aligns with the principle that while the ODB covers the cost of the drug up to a specified benefit price, any charges above that amount must be addressed. By collecting the difference, the pharmacy remains compliant with regulatory frameworks while also meeting the patient's request for a brand-name medication.

The other options do not align with the provisions of the ODB Act. Charging the full retail price may not reflect the necessary compliance with pricing regulations, while providing a discount is not permissible under this context as it could confuse the pricing structure defined by the benefit program. Referring the patient to a different pharmacy does not facilitate the patient's request directly and is not a practice encouraged in this scenario.