Safer supply prescribing in Ontario

On October 13, 2026, the Board of the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO) approved new safer supply regulations, effectively prohibiting safer supply prescribing in Ontario. Compliance to the policy is expected by November 16, 2026.

• An initial titration period of 8 weeks was removed from the recommendations in advance of the October 13 Board meeting.
• Prescribing of short-acting opioids (e.g. hydromorphone 8mg) without methadone or buprenorphine/naloxone is prohibited.
• No take-home doses are permitted. All doses must be witnessed (e.g. at a pharmacy during open hours), irrespective of how many daily visits are required and impacts on patients and pharmacists.
• In person visits with a physician must occur at least once per month.

Placeholder: selected submissions to the CPSO, and the issues and impacts of the CPSO recommendations, to be added.