Ontario’s medical regulator proposing sweeping changes to prescribing safer supply

Ontario's College of Physicians and Surgeons is considering significant revisions to the regulations surrounding safer supply prescriptions. Safer supply refers to the prescribing of medications to high-risk individuals as an alternative to street-obtained opioids. The most common medication used is hydromorphone, a potent opioid less powerful than illicit fentanyl.

The proposed changes include physicians prescribing safer supply drugs only in conjunction with opioid agonist therapy, an eight-week time limit for prescriptions, and consumption under medical supervision. The College has consulted various stakeholders, including physicians and addiction medicine experts, before proposing these amendments, which are expected to be voted on by the board of directors on October 13.

Health Minister Sylvia Jones' office supports the changes, emphasizing their commitment to combatting illegal drug distribution. However, critics, such as harm reduction worker Lorraine Lam, express concerns about the potential destabilization of individuals relying on safer supply and the increased risk of overdoses and deaths if access is abruptly cut off.