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B.C. Mandates Supervised Dosing for Safe-Supply Prescriptions by Dec. 30

The move follows a February leak alleging diversion involving about 60 pharmacies.

Overview

  • All patients in the prescribed-alternatives program will take their medication under observation starting Dec. 30.
  • Supervision will be conducted by health professionals such as pharmacists or nurses under provincial direction.
  • The province says it will provide support for health-care workers tasked with overseeing witnessed dosing.
  • Limited exemptions will be granted only in exceptional circumstances, according to the government.
  • Officials previously required new enrollees to dose under supervision, and the health minister says prescribed alternatives save lives by separating people from toxic street drugs.