Calgary woman files opioid-related lawsuit

Feb 3, 2023 | 5:37 PM

CALGARY – A Calgary woman is suing the Alberta government for imposing regulations that would prevent her from taking hydromorphone.

It’s a potent opioid that Ophelia Black is prescribed to take at home three times a day, to treat a severe opioid use disorder.

The statement of claim filed this week says Black was diagnosed after developing an opioid dependency when she was a teen.

In October, the Community Protections and Opioid Stewardship Standards were established.

They require Black to travel to a clinic every time needs treatment.

The province says the risk of these potent opioids getting into the community is too high for it to be administered any other way.

The claim says the change means hours on public transit for Black as she doesn’t drive.

The province says it is reviewing Black’s statement of claim but can’t comment on her specific case.

It says it is working with Alberta Health Services to extend the the transition of the new regulations or grant exemptions in unique cases.

(The Canadian Press)

by The Canadian Press