Medical reviews are a category of medical exemptions that are available only to U SPORTS and Canadian Collegiate Athletic Association (CCAA) student-athletes under the Canadian Anti-Doping Program (CADP).

The CCES initiates the medical review process after a student-athlete goes through doping control and the sample analysis detects a prohibited substance. The CCES will then request a medical file from the athlete to demonstrate that they used the substance or medication for a medically justified reason, not to enhance their performance.

Does the medical review process apply to me?

This process applies to student-athletes who compete in U SPORTS and the CCAA only. Student-athletes who also compete outside U SPORTS or the CCAA may have different requirements and should verify their exemption requirements using the Medical Exemption Wizard. For example, a volleyball player who’s on both a college team and a provincial team should confirm their requirements.

Some student-athletes may also be considered national- or international-level athletes if they participate in activities with their national sport organization (NSO) or their international federation (IF) or are included in their sport’s National Athlete Pool (NAP) or a Registered Testing Pool (RTP). Those athletes will not be eligible for a Medical Review and will need a Therapeutic Use Exemption.

Why is there a separate process for student-athletes?

Under the World Anti-Doping Code, the CCES has some flexibility in how the rules are applied to student-athletes, which allowed the CCES to create this streamlined process. Another example of this flexibility is the cannabis protocols for student-athletes.

How does the medical review process work?

During Doping Control

Declare all of your prescription medications on the doping control form at the end of a sample collection session.

Lab Tests Your Sample

If the laboratory detects your prescription medication in your sample, the CCES will contact you to initiate a medical review.

CCES Requests the File

The CCES contacts you through U SPORTS or CCAA and asks whether the substance was used as part of a prescribed treatment plan. If the answer is yes, a review is initiated.  

Assemble Your Medical File

With a physician and/or nurse practitioner, fill out the medical review form and collect supporting medical documents.

CCES Review

The CCES will review your file to make sure it confirms you’re using the medication for a medically justified treatment, not to enhance your performance.

When should I apply?

After doping control, the CCES will contact you through your sport organization if your sample contains a prohibited substance. Next, the CCES completes an initial review to check your eligibility for a medical review, then you are asked to submit your file.

You are not required to submit anything prior to sample collection – your only responsibility is to know whether the medical review process applies to you and to comply with doping control. Please consult the Medical Exemption Wizard to confirm your medical exemption requirements. 

Where can I find the Medical Review form?

The CCES will supply you with the form and other documents when they request a medical review.

What conditions must be fulfilled for a medical review to be granted?

A medical review will be approved by the CCES if the athlete can satisfy all of the following conditions: 

  • The athlete was diagnosed by a licensed physician or nurse practitioner prior to sample collection, 
  • The athlete has a valid prescription from a licensed physician or a nurse practitioner that is consistent with the substance found in the sample to treat their specific diagnosis, and 
  • The athlete is being followed and monitored by a physician or nurse practitioner to ensure their treatment plan is appropriate for the diagnosis. 

More details are provided to athletes during the review process. You can read more about the requirements in Rule 4.5 of the CADP.

Reminder: Student-athletes are encouraged to declare the use of all prescribed medications on their doping control form at the time of testing.

How long does the medical review process take?

The faster an athlete can engage with the CCES and provide the appropriate documentation, the sooner the process will be complete. 

At the time of notification, the CCES will set a timeline for the athlete to submit their medical review file (typically 7 days), at which point the CCES will review the application. Student-athletes are strongly encouraged to ensure the documentation for a medical review is available in case they are asked to submit it to the CCES.

How long is a medical review valid for?

A medical review covers one sample collection session only. The CCES will request a medical review file every time you go through doping control and a prohibited substance is detected in your sample. You will be required to submit the most up-to-date information regarding your medical treatment plan every time you are asked to complete a medical review. 

What will happen if I can’t meet the requirements for a medical review?

The documentation you submit for a medical review must demonstrate that your treatment was medically justified. If the conditions aren’t met, then the application may be denied and an anti-doping rule violation could be asserted. 

Athletes are advised to keep copies of their medical records or know where to access them. 

What should I do if I compete at an international level?

If you plan on competing internationally, complete the Medical Exemption Wizard to determine your medical exemption requirements beyond the medical review. 

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