Opioid dependence is a health concern with implications for the individual patient as well as the public. Methadone maintenance treatment is recognized internationally as among the most effective treatments for opioid dependency. Addiction treatment experts recommend that methadone treatment for opioid dependence be delivered with a maintenance-oriented, rather than abstinence-oriented, philosophy. This approach acknowledges opioid dependence as a chronic disease.

With an increase over the past few years to over 50% of community pharmacies now providing methadone maintenance treatment, the purpose of introducing Professional Practice Policy 66 (PPP-66) Methadone Maintenance Treatment (MMT), is to ensure that all pharmacy managers and all pharmacists providing this essential service are adhering to the same standards and guidelines. As a pharmacy manager or pharmacist who currently provides MMT services, you are required to have completed either the 'LIVE' or 'ONLINE' training by September 30, 2011 and have implemented any practice changes no later than January 1, 2012.

October 1, 2011 and beyond: Any pharmacy manager employed in a community pharmacy that wants to provide pharmacy services related to methadone maintenance treatment and any staff pharmacist who wants to provide community pharmacy services related to methadone maintenance treatment must:

• successfully complete the mandatory CPBC training program and have all the necessary practice requirements, as identified in the CPBC Methadone Maintenance Treatment Policy Guide, in place prior to providing methadone maintenance treatment services.

For inquiries regarding Methadone Maintenance Treatment (MMT), please email .