Narcotic counts for Nova Scotia pharmacies: monthly
The Nova Scotia Pharmacy Regulator asks for narcotics, controlled drugs, benzodiazepines and Z-drugs to be counted and reconciled every month, and again right away when the pharmacy manager changes.
What NSPR asks
In Nova Scotia, the pharmacy manager makes sure a physical count is done, documented and reconciled every month. It covers narcotics, controlled drugs, benzodiazepines and Z-drugs (zopiclone). Low-dose codeine products are exempt.
The pharmacy manager reviews that record every month.
Nova Scotia Pharmacy Regulator, Policy: Inventory Management of Controlled Substances and Z-Drugs.
Monthly, on the calendar
NSPR asks for the count monthly. NarcCount takes the strict reading: no more than a month between two counts. A count on January 15 makes the next one due by February 15.
Our suggestion, not a rule: count your fastest-moving narcotics more often than that, so a variance turns up while there are fewer transactions behind it.
For other provinces, see inventory frequency in Canada or the guide for each province.
When the pharmacy manager changes
NSPR asks for a reconciliation right away when the pharmacy manager changes.
Our suggestion: count on the handover day, so the incoming pharmacy manager starts from a number they have checked. The steps are in the handover checklist.
A loss or theft
Report any loss or theft of a controlled substance to Health Canada within 10 days of discovering it. That is the federal rule in every province: the Controlled Substances Regulations s. 109(2), in force since October 1, 2026. Investigating does not pause the clock.
In Nova Scotia, forward a copy of the Health Canada report to NSPR. A Z-drug (zopiclone) loss goes to NSPR too.
To trace a count that does not match, see what to do after a narcotic discrepancy. The report itself, step by step, is on reporting a loss or theft.
How NarcCount handles Nova Scotia
Set your pharmacy’s province to Nova Scotia in Settings and NarcCount schedules a full count every month. It also:
- Emails a reminder before each count is due.
- Flags a count as late when it falls behind that schedule.
- Asks for the handover count when you record a new pharmacy manager in Settings.
- Keeps the perpetual inventory from your purchase and dispensing records.
- Keeps an investigation note on every discrepancy line.
- Fills in the Health Canada loss or theft report, and shows NSPR’s own reporting step beside it.
NarcCount assists your reconciliation; it does not replace your professional obligations.
This guide is general information, not legal or professional advice. For the authoritative requirements, refer to the Nova Scotia Pharmacy Regulator and Health Canada.
Sources
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- Nova Scotia Pharmacy Regulator — Policy: Inventory Management of Controlled Substances and Z-Drugs — Nova Scotia: the physical count and reconciliation are “completed and documented monthly”, and pharmacy managers “must be able to demonstrate that they have reviewed this documentation monthly”. “A reconciliation must also take place immediately upon a change in pharmacy manager”. The policy covers narcotics, controlled drugs and benzodiazepines, and Z-drugs (zopiclone and eszopiclone); low dose codeine products are exempt. A copy of the Health Canada loss or theft report “must be forwarded to the NSPR”, Z-drug losses included.
- Controlled Substances Regulations (SOR/2025-242) s. 109(2) — in force October 1, 2026 — Federal, and verbatim: “If a pharmacist becomes aware of a loss or theft of a controlled substance … the pharmacist must provide a written report to the Minister within 10 days after the day on which they become aware.” On October 1, 2026 it replaced the same 10-day rule in the Narcotic Control Regulations, Part G of the Food and Drug Regulations and the Benzodiazepines and Other Targeted Substances Regulations.
Primary sources for the figures on this page. Regulations change; confirm the current requirement with the source before you rely on it.