Pubdate: Wed, 28 May 2003
Source: Surrey Leader (CN BC)
Copyright: 2003 Surrey Leader
Contact:  http://www.surreyleader.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/1236
Author:  Kevin Diakiw
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/find?136 (Methadone)

CITY COUNCIL PASSES NEW METHADONE BYLAW

Fines, undercover investigations and increased enforcement are on the way 
for Surrey methadone pharmacies, as the city and B.C. College of 
Pharmacists attempt to ensure the drug is legally dispensed.

The latest solution replaces a controversial bylaw that would have allowed 
police to scrutinize the patient lists of methadone pharmacies in Surrey.

That plan drew fire from senior levels of government, the health community 
and the B.C. Privacy Commissioner's Office.

As of Monday, pharmacists will be investigated by their regulating college 
and fined up to $5,000 by the city if they are found to be dispensing 
methadone contrary to prescription instructions.

The Leader revealed in April that a North Surrey pharmacy gave a patient 
methadone to take home (known as a "carry") when the prescription indicated 
the drug must be consumed in front of the pharmacist.

It became a case in point for city concerns that the drug, used to reduce 
heroin withdrawal, was being improperly dispensed and subsequently sold on 
the street.

On Monday, city council endorsed a bylaw to end unauthorized methadone carries.

"Every pharmacist shall ensure that the methadone has been swallowed in his 
or her presence by requiring the patient to talk or open his or her mouth 
after drinking (the drug) " the bylaw states.

In addition, the city and the college have agreed to reduce the 
concentration of methadone dispensaries in Whalley, while helping ensure 
the drug is properly dispensed.

"The College of Pharmacists shall commence by Aug. 1, 2003 to develop and 
undertake undercover operations to identify if pharmacies are giving 
unauthorized take-home doses of methadone and   notify the RCMP and the 
city of these violations," states the memorandum of understanding between 
the city and college.

The bylaw and memorandum of understanding were unanimously endorsed by 
council Monday night.

While most councillors lauded the latest regulations as an effective 
approach, some were critical of how Surrey got to this point. "It's too bad 
we had to make such fools of ourselves," said Coun. Bob Bose, referring to 
the initial bylaw. "Staff have been able to get us out of a fairly 
unpleasant position."

Coun. Penny Priddy asked herself several questions to determine if the new 
bylaw and agreement are workable.

"Is it good for the clients? Yes. Does it give the city the tools it needs 
to make sure methadone is dispensed legally? Yes. Does it maintain the 
methadone program? Yes."

Linda Lytle, registrar for the B.C. College of Pharmacists, said Monday 
she's comfortable with both the bylaw and the memorandum. However, she may 
ask for an extension beyond the Aug. 1 deadline to implement the initiatives.
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MAP posted-by: Jay Bergstrom