Safer supply and political interference in medical practice: Alberta's Narcotics Transition Services

Commentary
par
Wilson, P., Colizza, K., & Hyshka, E.

Date de publication

2024

Géographie

Canada

Langue de la ressource

English

Texte disponible en version intégrale

Oui

Open Access / OK to Reproduce

Oui

Évalué par des pairs

Yes

L’objectif

In the province of Alberta, new regulations introduced in 2022 significantly constrain safer supply prescribing by banning the prescription, dispensing, and administration of safer supply outside of a very limited number of clinics. 

Constatations/points à retenir

In this commentary, we review prescribed safer supply programs in Canada and outline how the Alberta Government's change in regulations conflict with emerging evidence and efforts by other jurisdictions to address the rising opioid poisoning deaths. We examine the development of these regulations and analyze how the Alberta government shaped and justified this restrictive policy. We conclude by identifying important lessons learned from the experience in Alberta for researchers, healthcare providers, and decisionmakers in other jurisdictions.

Mots clés

About people who use drugs
About prescribers
Advocacy
Diversion
Harm reduction
Hesitancy of prescribers
Illegal drugs
Opioids
Overdose
Policy/Regulatory
Safer supply
Stigma
Substitution/OAT