METHADONE CLINICS FACE TOUGHER RULES

Stringent rules will be introduced to control methadone distribution clinics.

If clinics fail to meet the State Government's 230 new guidelines,
they could have conditions imposed on their operating licences, such
as restrictions on the number of clients they can treat.

The Premier said the methadone program had been very effective in
controlling the spread of intravenously transmitted diseases such as
HIV.

Mr Carr said the program had expanded greatly in the 1980s.

"That was good policy. The rapid expansion, however, has created problems."

While many methadone clinics were of a high standard, he said, some
reported problems related to the gathering nearby of many users.

The guidelines include setting up mechanisms to address concerns of
the local community, beefing up security using closed-circuit
television and waiting rooms, and providing for takeaway doses.

NSW has 14,517 people on methadone programs.