B.C. Implements Witnessed Dosing for Safer Supply Program

As of December 30, 2023, British Columbia (B.C.) will fully transition to a witnessed dosing system for its prescribed alternatives, commonly referred to as safer supply drugs. This change, initially announced in February, now requires all patients to take prescribed medications, primarily hydromorphone, in the presence of a health professional.

The shift aims to enhance the safety of patients who rely on these medications to manage opioid addiction. Previously, patients already on the program were allowed to continue taking their prescriptions at home. However, as of the end of this month, this practice will no longer be permitted, as stated in an announcement by B.C. health officials on December 2, 2023. Limited exceptions to this rule may apply, but specifics have yet to be clarified.

Concerns and Defence of the Program

The prescribed alternatives program was established to provide hydromorphone doses to individuals struggling with opioid addiction, helping them avoid the risks associated with toxic street drugs. Despite its intentions, the program has faced criticism. Reports have emerged suggesting that certain prescribed drugs may have been diverted to the illegal market, raising concerns about the integrity of the program. Additionally, allegations surfaced that some pharmacists were offering incentives to encourage patients to obtain their prescriptions from their establishments.

In response to the ongoing criticism, Josie Osborne, B.C.’s Health Minister, defended the program during a recent statement. “Prescribed alternatives remain one of many tools and strategies that we use to help separate people from a toxic drug supply, to help keep them alive, and to access care,” Osborne asserted. Her remarks underscore the provincial government’s commitment to addressing the opioid crisis through regulated and supervised means.

Osborne is scheduled to elaborate on these changes in a speech at 1:15 PM on the day of implementation. As developments unfold, further updates will be provided regarding her comments and the program’s impact on patients and health care providers.

The transition to a witnessed dosing model reflects a broader effort within B.C. to tackle the ongoing opioid crisis, which has claimed numerous lives across the province. By ensuring that patients consume their prescribed alternatives under supervision, officials hope to mitigate risks and promote public health.

As the new regulations take effect, the province is poised to monitor the outcomes closely, examining how this shift influences patient safety and the overall effectiveness of the prescribed alternatives program.