Pubdate: Tue, 11 Mar 2003 Source: Province, The (CN BC) Copyright: 2003 The Province Contact: http://www.canada.com/vancouver/theprovince/ Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/476 Author: Kent Spencer METHADONE BYLAW PASSES IN SURREY Surrey went ahead with its controversial methad-one control bylaw last night, despite concerns for patients' privacy. "This is not a road I wanted to go down, but it's necessary," said Coun. Dianne Watts, chairwoman of the public-safety committee. Coun. Judith Higginbotham added her misgivings that good people "trying to do the right thing might be somewhat inconvenienced" by police inspections. "I feel badly about it," she said. "We are getting into something a lot of us don't understand . . . but no other government is taking the responsibility." The bylaw will monitor methadone treatments at about 10 dispensaries in a four-block area in rundown Whalley. RCMP allege some clients are carrying away prescriptions illegally and selling them on the streets, adding to the drug trade. In the controversial section of the bylaw, RCMP inspectors will have the right to examine private medical records without a search warrant. Fines up to $5,000 are permitted for non-compliance. "The bylaw focuses on pharmacists not to give out unauthorized carries," said city lawyer Craig MacFarlane. First, second and third readings were passed by a 6-3 vote. Dissenting Coun. Bob Bose said it was like a return to the "Dark Ages." "This isn't a very effective approach to the problem," he said. Added Coun. Judy Villeneuve: "We should not waste time attempting to meddle with the medical authorities." Council plans one final meeting with the public, pharmacists and doctors before adoption next month. "This is a wakeup call to the pharmaceutical industry and the provincial government," said Mayor Doug McCallum. "A small percentage are abusing the system." - --- MAP posted-by: Larry Stevens