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B.C. requires witness for those using supply drugs to stop diversion to streets

On Dec. 2, British Columbia announced it will complete its transition to witnessed dosing for prescribed alternatives by Dec. 30.
Leaked documents in February alleged about 60 pharmacies were involved in illegal diversion from the safe supply program, prompting the British Columbia government to tighten rules on prescribed alternatives.
Health professionals such as pharmacists or nurses will supervise dosing for patients in the prescribed alternatives program, with limited exemptions and government support for supervising workers.
Extending supervision will shift responsibilities onto clinicians as the prescribed alternatives program supplies hydromorphone to help people addicted to opioids avoid toxic street drugs.
Earlier this year the province required supervised dosing for new users, and Josie Osborne, Health Minister, defended the program on Monday and July 2, 2025.

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