Pubdate: Fri, 20 Nov 2015
Source: Vancouver Sun (CN BC)
Copyright: 2015 Postmedia Network Inc.
Contact:  http://www.canada.com/vancouversun/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/477
Author: Geordon Omand
Page: A11
Cited: Pivot Legal Society: http://www.pivotlegal.org/

METHADONE CLINIC FEE NECESSARY, B.C. DOCTOR ARGUES

Counselling a crucial part of the process for recovering addicts

Methadone-dispensing fees that are the focus of legal action in
British Columbia must be charged to secure crucial support services
for recovering addicts, says a doctor from Vancouver Island.

Dr. Jane Clelland said while the province pays for physicians and
drugs, public money doesn't cover counselling, which she called necessary.

Counselling is also a service supported by the B.C. College of
Physicians and Surgeons.

"They don't expect you just to see the patient, they expect you to
provide a program," Clelland said in an interview about the
medical-licensing and regulatory body.

"The clinic is supposed to help rehabilitate the person and get them a
normal life and you're not going to do that only with methadone."

The treatment program has come under scrutiny after a proposed
class-action lawsuit was launched against the province over the $18.34
additional fee automatically taken from the cheques of addicts on
income assistance.

The fee agreement referenced in court documents is $60, which is
reduced by $41.66 through a government-provided Alcohol and Drug Supplement.

The remaining money is drawn from a client's monthly support
allowance, according to documents filed this month in B.C. Supreme
Court.

"I can see why the Pivot Legal Society thinks it's wrong to take money
from these patients, and I agree," said Clelland.

Pivot is a legal advocacy group that works on behalf of marginalized
groups.

The legal action was launched by representative plaintiff Laura
Shaver, who is addicted to heroin. She said she signed a
government-drafted agreement "unwillingly and under duress" to
authorize the deduction of money from her welfare cheques.

"In my view it's the wrong way to do it," said Clelland, describing
addiction care in B.C. as "disjointed" and "a bit of a mess."

Health Minister Terry Lake said the added fee was under review, but
wouldn't say if it would be scrapped.
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MAP posted-by: Matt