Revised Guidance to Support Care Providers and Patients as Decriminalization Pilot Ends

In 2023, the Province of BC launched a pilot program to decriminalize people who use drugs. It was intended to make it easier for people struggling with substance use disorders to come forward for help without fear of being criminalized.    

 

As of January 31, 2026, the Province of BC will end decriminalization and will not ask the federal government for an extension. That means unregulated substances will be prohibited in all settings, except in a designated overdose prevention service.  

 

This change is not new to many healthcare settings. In April 2024, the BC government prohibited possession and use of unregulated substances in acute care facilities. 

 

Although the decriminalization pilot has ended, we remain committed to providing care environments that are safe and free from fear, stigma, and judgement for people who use substances. We will continue to uphold clear policies and procedures that protect the safety of all patients, visitors, and staff. 

 

We have revised guidance to support teams, including:

• ​Possession of Illicit/Unregulated/Unknown Substances: Acute Care
• Storage and Handling of Illicit/Unregulated/Unknown Substances: Acute Care
• Handling & Disposal of Illicit/Unknown/Unregulated/Unknown Substances: For Protection Services Officers

​Stay tuned for opportunities to learn more about providing care to people who use substances.  

 

For more information on providing care to patients who use substances and those with substance use disorder, please visit the staff intranet pages: ​Harm Reduction and Addiction Medicine & Substance Use. 

 

Protection Services and Security Central Dispatch: 250-370-8575 

 

Questions? Please reach out to amsu@islandhealth.ca.