​​​​​About Opioid Ago​nist Therapy 

Opioid agonist therapy (OAT) is an effective treatment for people dependent on different types of opioids such as heroin, oxycodone, and fentanyl. The therapy involves medications such as Methadone or Suboxone. These medications prevent the effects of withdrawal and reduce cravings for opioids. 

OAT is prescribed by a doctor and can be accessed through public service providers, private clinics, and residential or outpatient treatment programs.

About this In​​itiative

Effective February 1, 2019 private clinics can directly bill FNHA for the opioid agonist therapy (OAT) clinic fee costs charged to people in BC with First Nations status. See below for an outline of the processes. 

For Service Prov​iders

If you are an OAT service provider:

1. Complete the OAT clinic subsidy application form with your client. Please obtain the client's signature on the application form for all services delivered. ​(OAT Clinic Subsidy A​​​pplication Form)
2. Prepare a service invoice each month and indicate “Bill to: First Nations Health Authority" on the invoice. FNHA will not process invoices that do not indicate this field.
3. Email the completed application form and the service invoice to oatclinicfees@fnha.ca or fax to 604-666-3867.
4. FNHA will confirm the applicant's First Nations status and approve the servi​ce provider on an individual client basis.
5. Once FNHA has approved a client, the service provider must send a client-signed application form and a service invoice every month to continue subsidization through FNHA. NOTE: In recognition that services may now be provided via Telehealth in response to precautions related to COVID-19, the provider can fill in the locations (city or Nation) of the client and the provider in place of where we would typically require a client's signature on the invoice.

For ​Clients

If you are a First Nations person living in BC:

1. Book an appointment with an OAT clinic. (OAT Clinics Accepting New Patients)
2. Your service provider will complete a subsidy application form with you and obtain your signature.
3. Your service provider will submit the required documentation to FNHA and you will be considered for OAT subsidization once your First Nations status is confirmed.
4. Once you are approved by FNHA, you must sign off on the documentation sent to FNHA every month.

Reso​​urces

• OAT Clinic Subsidy Application Form
• OAT Clinics Accepting New Patients (BC Centre on Substance Use) 
• Opioid Agonist Therapy FAQs (FNHA fact sheet)
• Opioid Agonist Therapy (Centre for Addiction and Mental Health information sheet)
  
• Panelists Discuss Providing Opioid Agonist Therapies (OAT) at FNHA's Inaugural Mental Wellness Summit
• ​Suboxone Stories Part 1:Two clients share their early journeys with Opioid Agonist Therapy
• Suboxone Stories Part 2: Two clients open up about the emotional challenges of Opioid Agonist Therapy
• Supporting Opioid Use Disorder and Opioid Agonist Th​erapy​ - (FNHA guide)​​