 |
|
 |
|
 |
|
 |
|
 |
|
 |
|
 |
|
 |
|
 |
|
 |
|
 |
|
 |
|
Telephone:
416 928-0900
Toll Free in Ontario:
1 800 387-5526
Fax:
416 928-6507
Nursing Practice > Ask Practice
Page modified February 02, 2010
Nursing Standards
Outreach Program
Administering methadone – a Q&A for nurses
Are nurses permitted to administer methadone in the hospital setting?
Yes, under the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act, 1996 and the associated Narcotic Control Regulation, pharmacists are permitted to provide methadone to a hospital employee or a practitioner in a hospital. Therefore, under the legislation, nurses, as practitioners in a hospital, are permitted to administer methadone with an order.
Are nurses permitted to administer methadone in the community setting?
Yes. An exemption under section 56 of the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act, 1996 permits nurses to administer methadone in the community as the ‘delegate’ of a physician.
What should nurses consider before administering methadone?
Nurses should consider whether they have the appropriate knowledge, skill and judgment to administer methadone. When administering any medication to clients, nurses are accountable for adhering to the College’s Medication, Revised 2008 practice document. Because methadone is a medication that carries a certain level of inherent risk, nurses must ensure that they are able to administer the medication safely and competently, and manage the potential outcomes of administering it. Nurses must ensure that adequate resources are available within their practice settings to manage potential outcomes related to the administration of methadone.
In addition, nurses must be aware of legislation and/or facility policies related to the administration of methadone as some practice settings may outline certain roles, responsibilities and procedures.
Do nurses have to take a special course in order to administer methadone?
No, they don’t. However, as self-regulating professionals, nurses are accountable for determining and obtaining the knowledge, education and/or experience necessary for them to be able to safely perform any treatment or procedure with clients, including the administration of a medication.
Resources
- New Interim Policy for the Provision of Methadone in Ontario at http://www.ocpinfo.com/client/ocp/OCPHome.nsf/web/Interim+Policy+for+Methadone
- Controlled Drug and Substances Act
- Narcotic Control Regulation
Last Updated Dec. 2009
[top]