CPSO has revised its Advice to the Profession: Prescribing Drugs in two key areas: opioid agonist therapy (OAT) and safer supply prescribing. 

Key updates include: 

• reinforcing that OAT is the first-line treatment for opioid use disorder
• recognizing that safer supply is generally appropriate only for patients who decline or do not adhere to OAT
• emphasizing that safer supply prescribing be part of a comprehensive treatment plan and an ongoing therapeutic relationship
• highlighting risks associated with safer supply that require active mitigation, and emphasizing the need for careful assessment, follow up, and monitoring
• clarifying that physicians prescribing safer supply are expected to have competence in addiction medicine and incorporate evidence-based approaches into their practice
• pointing physicians to updated clinical practice guidelines

These updates aim to support physicians in delivering safe and effective care to patients with substance use disorders.