Methadone Program

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• What is the methadone program?

  A program to support physicians who practice addiction medicine, or whose patients could benefit from methadone maintenance treatment, that provides safe, consistent, accessible and effective clinical care for opioid dependent patients.
  

Exemptions & Treatment

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• How do I apply for an exemption to prescribe methadone?

  • Complete the Health Canada application for methadone exemption and submit to the College as outlined in the exemption application process.
  • Notes:
    • Health Canada requires the support of the College to process the application - all completed applications should be forwarded to the College first.
    • The College may request additional information prior to supporting an application for exemption.
    • For more information, call 1-800-320-8624 ext. 4944 or e-mail methadoneinfo@cpsa.ab.ca.  
      

• If I have a methadone exemption for chronic pain patients, can I also prescribe methadone for patients with opioid dependence?

  • No. Exemptions from Health Canada are specific to dependence, pain associated with malignancy or chronic non-malignant pain.

• Is there a limit to the number of opioid dependent patients I can treat?

  • No. Once you have received a methadone exemption, you may determine the number of patient caseloads you wish to handle.

• Can I prescribe methadone to only one patient?

  • Yes, if continuing treatment for a stabilized patient who started on a methadone program with a specialist (chronic pain, addiction or palliative care) and you are able to consult with the specialist if problems arise.
    Note: Physicians must have considerable experience with the use of methadone if they wish to start a patient on methadone.

• What kind of care is required for stabilized patients on a maintenance treatment program?

  • Similar to a patient with a chronic medical condition, a physician would be required to:
    • Monitor compliance with medication and lifestyle modification
    • Assess symptoms and provide education related to the disease process or medication

• How can I treat an opioid dependent patient if I don’t have a methadone exemption?

  • You can discuss available options for your patient, including:
    • Detoxification in a hospital or other facility (as an outpatient)
    • 12-step programs (i.e. Narcotics Anonymous)
    • Substitution therapy (i.e. methadone maintenance)

• How many physicians are currently prescribing methadone in Alberta?

  • More than 60

Standards & Guidelines

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• What are the Methadone Standards & Guidelines for?

  • To provide physicians with an appropriate guide to safe medical practice when dealing with opioid dependent patients.
  • To provide broader access to treatment for opioid dependency

• Who was involved in the working group to develop the Methadone Standards & Guidelines?

  • A group of physicians who practice addiction medicine and prescribe methadone for opioid addiction
    Guidelines from other jurisdictions were also consulted.

• Who reviewed the stakeholder feedback on the Methadone Standards & Guidelines?

  • CPSA Council.

• When did the Methadone Standards & Guidelines become operational?

  • Spring 2006

• What is the major impact on physicians?

  • Treatment guidelines and support in a program infrastructure will make it easier for physicians to treat opioid dependent patients.

• What are the key benefits to patients?

  • Opioid dependent patients will have accessible, consistent and safe medical treatment.

• Who is responsible for enforcing the Methadone Standards & Guidelines ?

  • The College of Physicians & Surgeons of Alberta

• Why is the College involved in this initiative?

  • To continue to provide guidance to the medical profession in Alberta and promote quality improvement in medical practice.
  • More information is available in the Methadone Program Standards & Guidelines document.