Methadone is the main option for the treatment of opioid dependence across Australia. Methadone treatment is the best researched of all treatments and has been shown through research to be effective in reducing heroin use, deaths from overdose, the spread of blood borne viruses such as HIV, hepatitis C, and crime.
This set of standards forms the basis of an accreditation program for all licensed methadone clinics in NSW. New, additional conditions have been imposed on all existing licences for methadone clinics that require clinics to join an approved quality assurance organisation and to achieve accreditation within a specified time-frame.
These standards will be used by approved quality assurance organisations to develop survey instruments and supporting documentation as part of the program to accredit methadone clinics across NSW.