​​Opioid use disorder is a medical condition that can be treated with opioid agonist therapy (OAT). OAT is a safe option for substance use and is part of a continuum of harm reduction services.

OAT is an effective treatment for people dependent on different types of opioids such as heroin, oxycodone, hydromorphone (Dilaudid), fentanyl and Percocet. The therapy involves taking opioid agonist medication, such as methadone (Methadose) or buprenorphine (Suboxone). These medications prevent the effects of withdrawal and reduce cravings for opioid drugs. 

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

For people experiencing addiction to opioids, OAT can be a helpful part of their healing journey. For more information on how to access OAT and to review Frequently Asked Questions, see the Resources section below. 

Suboxone Stories   

Read about Dwayne and Trish's personal journeys with OAT:

• Suboxone Stories Part 1: Two clients share their early journeys with OAT
• Suboxone Stories Part 2: Two clients open up about the emotional challenges of OAT

OAT Services and FNHA Health Benefits Information  

Private clinics can directly bill the FNHA for OAT clinic fee costs charged to people in BC with First Nations status. See below for an outline of the processes. 

For First Nations Clients:

1. Book an appointment with an OAT clinic. To find a location near you, visit this webpage: OAT Clinics that are 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.

For OAT Service Providers:

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 Application 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 service 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.
   

Resources

• OAT Clinic Subsidy Application Form
• OAT Clinics that are Accepting New Patients (List provided by BC Centre on Substance Use) 
• Opioid Agonist Therapy (FNHA fact sheet)
  
• Opioid Agonist Therapy FAQs (FNHA fact sheet)
• Opioid Agonist Therapy (Centre for Addiction and Mental Health info sheet)
  
• Opioid Agonist Therapy - Alcohol Use Disorder Study Infographic (PDF)
  
• Opioid Agonist Therapy - Alcohol Use Disorder Study​ (PDF)
  
• Panelists Discuss Providing Opioid Agonist Therapies (OAT) at FNHA's Inaugural Mental Wellness Summit (FNHA news story)
• Supporting Opioid Use Disorder ​and Opioid Agonist Th erapy  - (FNHA guide for health workers)​