The medical review is a process through which certain Canadian athletes can validate the medical use of a substance on the World Anti-Doping Agency’s (WADA) Prohibited List without having to complete the Therapeutic Use Exemption (TUE) application process. This process is unique to the Canadian Anti-Doping Program (CADP).
Does the medical review process apply to me?
Currently this process applies only to student-athletes who compete in the U SPORTS and Canadian Collegiate Athletic Association (CCAA). Student-athletes who participate in sport outside of the collegiate system should verify their therapeutic use exemptions requirements.
How does it work?
A medical review is initiated after a U SPORTS or CCAA athlete goes through doping control and the sample analysis reveals the presence of a banned substance. The CCES would contact the athlete through their sport organization to determine whether or not the substance was used as part of a medical treatment plan. If so, the athlete would have their physician complete and submit a medical review application form and documentation to support their medical history, which is returned to the CCES for review.
The medical review will be granted by CCES providing the athlete can satisfy all of the following conditions. The athlete:
- Demonstrates by means of appropriate documentation that he or she has a medical diagnosis made by a licensed physician prior to sample collection;
- Has a prescription signed by a licensed physician prior to sample collection which is consistent with the finding;
- Provides appropriate confirmation that he or she is being followed and monitored by a licensed physician to ensure the treatment plan matches the diagnosis; and
- Declared the use of the prescribed medication on the Doping Control Form at the time of testing.
The CCES will provide a decision to the athlete within 21 days of receiving a complete medical review application. The CCES may have the information reviewed and evaluated by a physician who is a member of the CCES Therapeutic Use Exemption Committee.
Is my medical information secure?
The CCES will keep all medical information and data confidential, and will not share any medical information without your consent.
When should I apply?
After doping control and only if requested by the CCES. The CCES will notify you if a medical review is being pursued and ask you to submit an application at that time. You are not required to submit anything in the meantime but you should make sure you know where to find information regarding your medical history.
Where can I find the medical review form?
The CCES will supply you with the form if you are notified that a medical review is being pursued.
How long is a medical review good for?
A medical review retroactively covers a single doping control sample collection only. The CCES will request a new medical review each time you go through doping control, however; the CCES reserves the right to request a therapeutic use exemption application from an athlete if it is deemed necessary.
What will happen if I can’t meet the requirements for a medical review?
Failure to provide the information for a medical review could result in an anti-doping rule violation. If you have been prescribed a medication on the Prohibited List make sure that you can access the medical information listed above.
What should I do if I am added to the CCES Registered Testing Pool (RTP) or National Athlete Pool (NAP)?
Athletes in the CCES RTP and NAP are required to have a therapeutic use exemption in place, so if you are added to the RTP or NAP you should begin the TUE application process immediately.
What if I compete in sport outside of the U SPORTS or CCAA?
Verify your therapeutic use exemption requirements outside of the U SPORTS and CCAA systems. Ensure that you meet the greater requirement: if one requires a TUE and the other a medical review, then you must submit a TUE application. Check now.
Can I still submit a TUE application if I want?
Yes, you may submit a TUE application at any time. You should know that TUE applications can take up to 21 days to review and approve once the CCES has received a complete medical file.
How is a medical review different from a TUE?
| Therapeutic Use Exemption | Medical Review |
|---|---|---|
When to submit | At the time of prescription, or no less than 30 days prior to competing in an event | Upon notification by the CCES following doping control sample analysis |
Medical File Requirements | Complete medical file | Simplified medical file |
Duration of approval | Up to four years | For the most recent sample collection only |
Jurisdictions covered | World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) | Canadian Anti-Doping Program |
For more information about medical reviews:
- Use the Medical Exemption Wizard
- Email: [email protected].
- Call 1-800-672-7775