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

Ontario's medical regulator, the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario, is proposing significant changes to the prescribing of safer supply drugs. Safer supply refers to the prescription of medications, such as hydromorphone, as an alternative to opioids obtained illegally to those at high risk of overdose. The proposed changes include limiting physicians to prescribe safer supply medications in conjunction with opioid agonist therapy, mandating a time limit of eight weeks for prescriptions, and requiring that the drugs be consumed in front of healthcare professionals.

The regulator aims to strengthen oversight and enhance safeguards to prevent the diversion of prescription pills to the black market, which poses risks to patients and communities. The initiative has received support from Health Minister Sylvia Jones and the College's board of directors is set to vote on the proposed changes on October 13th.

However, some people who rely on safer supply, including harm reduction workers, express concern that the proposed changes could destabilize their access to medication and potentially increase overdose risks.