Notification of delegation within the framework of prescribed diacetylmorphine-assisted treatment

Since 1 April 2023, institutions providing prescribed diacetylmorphine-assisted treatment can arrange to delegate the administration and dispensing of diacetylmorphine to appropriate external institutions. This delegation must be reported to the FOPH and the competent cantonal authorities. 

Under Art. 13 para. 1 of the Ordinance on Narcotics Addiction (NarcAO; RS 812.121.6), the administration and dispensing of diacetylmorphine must be carried out in a treatment institution under visual supervision.

Since 1 April 2023, treatment institutions can also delegate the administration and dispensing of diacetylmorphine to appropriate external institutions. These may be care homes, hospitals, prisons or pharmacies.

However, only specialist doctors in HeGeBe centres can prescribe diacetylmorphine. A HeGeBe patient must therefore fall under a specialist doctor from a HeGeBe institution who will bear responsibility for the treatment and who is the only person able to prescribe the diacetylmorphine.  

Conditions of delegation

Delegation of the dispensing or administration of diacetylmorphine to an external institution is subject to a number of conditions.

The drug must be dispensed in daily doses labelled with the patient's name in order to satisfy the requirements of the Narcotics Control Ordinance.

In addition, dispensing and administration can only be delegated with the consent of the parties involved (institution providing treatment and appropriate external institution) and cannot therefore be imposed on the external institution.

The appropriate external institution must also:

• have received adequate information and instructions from the institution providing treatment;
• have appropriately-trained staff, and
• have suitable premises and infrastructure.

Notification of delegation

If the administration or dispensing of diacetylmorphine is delegated to an appropriate external institution, the institution providing treatment must notify the FOPH and the competent cantonal authorities as soon as possible.

After receiving the form, the FOPH may stipulate fees or conditions in the licence granted to the institution or patient. It can also refuse the delegation if the conditions are not met or if proper therapeutic monitoring of the patient cannot be guaranteed.  

As regards the FOPH, the form (PDF, 202 kB, 26.04.2023) must be sent to [e-mail] zu senden.

Documents

Information on requests and licences (PDF, 266 kB, 11.04.2023)in German

Notification of delegation within the framework of prescribed diacetylmorphine-assisted treatment (PDF, 202 kB, 26.04.2023)available in German and French

Legislation

Art. 3e, para. 3 of the Federal Act of 3 October 1951 on Narcotics and Psychotropic Substances (Narcotics Act, NarcA; 812.121)

Art. 14a of the Ordinance of 25 May 2011 on Narcotics Addiction and other Addiction Disorders (Narcotics Addiction Ordinance, NarcAO; 821.121.6)

Further information

Last modification 26.04.2023