Cantonal opioid agonist treatment authorisation systems - a mixed-method qualitative investigation.

Background And Aim: In Switzerland, a cantonal authorisation is required to introduce opioid agonist treatments (OAT). We investigated and compared the terms of these cantonal OAT authorisations throughout Switzerland. The primary objective was to determine how the overseeing cantonal officials implemented and perceived the legal requirements.

[Therapeutic contracts and opioid agonist treatments: legally and ethically questionable].

In Switzerland, the use of « therapeutic contracts » in the implementation of opioid agonist treatments (OAT) is frequently recommended or even imposed. These documents raise legal and ethical issues, which are presented in this article. The authors recommend that this practice be abandoned.

[Drugs: minors and harm reduction?].

The use of controlled substances (narcotics and psychotropic substances) poses increased risks for minors. However, minors are generally excluded from existing harm reduction services (e.g.

[Driving under the influence…].

Prescribing medicines containing controlled substances (SSC : narcotics and psychotropic substances) can have legal consequences as per the Road Traffic Act. We set forth the physician's duties as well as the risks incurred by the patient. We recommend that rules regarding SSC, which can influence the capacity or the ability to drive, be clarified.