PRIVACY PROBLEMS WITH METHADONE BYLAW: PRIDDY

Surrey's proposed methadone bylaw is frightening people who fear being
exposed by bylaw officers, says Coun. Penny Priddy.

"I don't feel comfortable with a bylaw officer having confidential health
records," said Priddy, a former B.C. health minister. "What if a person is
employed by the city?

"This goes down a very slippery slope of violating people's rights."

Surrey's bylaw would force methadone users to take the drug in front of the
dispensing pharmacist in order to reduce "illegal drug trafficking in
methadone."

The most controversial section would allow bylaw officers to "inspect the
records retained by the pharmacist," including the patient's name and
doctor's instructions.

That clause has been criticized by B.C. Privacy Commissioner David
Loukidelis, who urged Surrey this week "not to proceed with the bylaw at
this time."

But Mayor Doug McCallum said that Surrey intends to bring a bylaw forward
on Monday for first, second and third readings.

"That will be our response," he said. "Methadone pharmacies are causing us
major problems."

Up to a dozen stand-alone dispensaries are located in a four-block area of
downtown Whalley, which has long been plagued by drugs and crime. It has
been targeted for a block-by-block cleanup.

"There is a growing body of evidence that some methadone prescriptions
given for off-premises consumption end up feeding the consumption of other
drugs and causing death or injury from methadone overdoses," says a report
to council.

Priddy said she realizes some people abuse their carry-away prescriptions.

"I realize it's frustrating, but this is not a well-thought-out strategy,"
she said, suggesting the College of Pharmacists of B.C. can deal with
disciplining dispensaries, if needed.