"Bridging medications" are intended to provide a limited supply of required medications at discharge/care transition in exceptional circumstances when a patient does not have supply at home or adequate, timely access to the medication(s) from a community or specialty pharmacy. They are provided only when necessary to meet the immediate needs of patients or vulnerable populations, and the amount provided are the minimum needed for the patient's health, safety, and ongoing treatment requirements (maximum 72 hours supply).
There are certain legislative and scope of practice requirements for dispensing these medications. As of March 3, 2026, inpatient unit prescribers will be required to enter a “Bridging Medications Supply” order to facilitate preparation, notification, and safe dispensing of these medications in accordance with appropriate legislation and scope of practice requirements.
- Bridging medications must be ordered AFTER interfacility orders have been signed or discharge home medications have been fully reconciled.
- Pharmacy is responsible for preparing bridging medications; however, if pharmacy is unavailable or not given enough notice, then an appropriate healthcare professional (typically a nursing team member) is able to do so.
- Note: This change does not impact the existing workflow for Emergency Room providers (and their existing bridging supply orders via the “Dispo” tab remains the same).
For inpatient workflow details, see the Manual, tip sheet, and demo: