Those living with opioid addictions will now have more options to access life-saving medication to help them in their recovery.
BC's Nurse practitioners will now be allowed to administer life-saving opioid prevention medications, like injectable hydromorphone, buprenorphine-naloxone and methadone.
Judy Darcy, Minister of Mental Health and Addictions says this change is an important part of the government's escalated efforts to save lives and end stigma.
"Having nurse practitioners able to prescribe life-saving medication--opioid substitution treatment--absolutely will save lives. It will mean more people will have access to health professionals who can give them life-saving medication so they're not turning to poison drugs on the street."
Of about 450 nurse practitioners throughout BC, more than 60 have completed or begun their training to administer these medications.