Pharmacists in New Brunswick, Prince Edward Island, Nova Scotia, Newfoundland, and Labrador have until Aug. 15 to submit records of every oxycodone prescription sold during the first six months of 2004.

The pharmacists are required to submit to Health Canada's office of controlled substances the name and license number of the doctor who wrote the prescription, the dosage quantity, strength and form, as well as the patient's name and contact details.

According to Health Canada, oxycodone has been linked to several deaths and increased rates of addiction in the region.

Dr. Andrew Major, president of the Newfoundland and Labrador Medical Association, said the directive brings to light the need for an electronic medical records system. Major said the system would curb doctor shopping because "when a physician sees a person in the office, the doctor will be able to see what prescription they've had recently."

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