College tightens rules for safe-supply clinic doctors

The College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario has tightened prescribing standards for safe-supply clinics after a year of controversy surrounding New Dawn Medical in Chinatown.

On June 1, the college announced changes to its prescribing policy that mandate in-person comprehensive patient assessments before doctors initiate safer supply prescriptions or continue ones started elsewhere. Physicians must also offer alternative "agonist" therapy before prescribing safer supply and conduct in-person assessments at least once every three months if the prescription continues.

Somerset ward Councillor Ariel Troster, who had jointly called for the investigation with Ottawa Centre MPP Catherine McKenney, called the move "concrete action." She had raised concerns that the clinic's main doctor is based in Toronto and rarely on site, making it difficult to prevent drug diversion — when people sell prescribed medications rather than use them. "People with addiction deserve that level of care and concern, and they're not receiving it," Troster said.

New Dawn Medical has operated in the same Chinatown location for exactly one year. It replaced Northwood Recovery, another private safe-supply clinic that operated for a few months starting in March 2025. Both sparked controversy among local residents and business advocates over safety and neighborhood impact.

The college's updated policy, approved by its board on May 28, does not prohibit safer-supply prescribing. A college spokesperson said the amendments came "following feedback from physicians and system partners, and in response to the evolving landscape in this complex area of practice."

The standards aim to balance physician judgment with evidence-informed practice.