What is prior authorization or special authority, and who fills it out?

Prior authorization and special authority are extra coverage steps. A plan asks for paperwork showing that listed clinical criteria are met before it will pay, or before it will pay under limited coverage. That paperwork is usually completed by the prescriber, not by the patient filling in the medical criteria alone. If the change is persistent, distressing, or affecting daily functioning, bring a brief timeline to the prescribing clinician rather than changing the dose independently. References: https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/health/practitioner-professional-resources/pharmacare/prescribers/special-authority https://www.caddra.ca/provincial-and-federal-public-formulary-overview/