CITY COUNCIL PASSES NEW METHADONE BYLAW

Fines, undercover investigations and increased enforcement are on the way
for Surrey methadone pharmacies, as the city and B.C. College of
Pharmacists attempt to ensure the drug is legally dispensed.

The latest solution replaces a controversial bylaw that would have allowed
police to scrutinize the patient lists of methadone pharmacies in Surrey.

That plan drew fire from senior levels of government, the health community
and the B.C. Privacy Commissioner's Office.

As of Monday, pharmacists will be investigated by their regulating college
and fined up to $5,000 by the city if they are found to be dispensing
methadone contrary to prescription instructions.

The Leader revealed in April that a North Surrey pharmacy gave a patient
methadone to take home (known as a "carry") when the prescription indicated
the drug must be consumed in front of the pharmacist.

It became a case in point for city concerns that the drug, used to reduce
heroin withdrawal, was being improperly dispensed and subsequently sold on
the street.

On Monday, city council endorsed a bylaw to end unauthorized methadone carries.

"Every pharmacist shall ensure that the methadone has been swallowed in his
or her presence by requiring the patient to talk or open his or her mouth
after drinking (the drug) " the bylaw states.

In addition, the city and the college have agreed to reduce the
concentration of methadone dispensaries in Whalley, while helping ensure
the drug is properly dispensed.

"The College of Pharmacists shall commence by Aug. 1, 2003 to develop and
undertake undercover operations to identify if pharmacies are giving
unauthorized take-home doses of methadone and notify the RCMP and the
city of these violations," states the memorandum of understanding between
the city and college.

The bylaw and memorandum of understanding were unanimously endorsed by
council Monday night.

While most councillors lauded the latest regulations as an effective
approach, some were critical of how Surrey got to this point. "It's too bad
we had to make such fools of ourselves," said Coun. Bob Bose, referring to
the initial bylaw. "Staff have been able to get us out of a fairly
unpleasant position."

Coun. Penny Priddy asked herself several questions to determine if the new
bylaw and agreement are workable.

"Is it good for the clients? Yes. Does it give the city the tools it needs
to make sure methadone is dispensed legally? Yes. Does it maintain the
methadone program? Yes."

Linda Lytle, registrar for the B.C. College of Pharmacists, said Monday
she's comfortable with both the bylaw and the memorandum. However, she may
ask for an extension beyond the Aug. 1 deadline to implement the initiatives.