Abstract
Coincident with recognition of the effective role metha-done maintenance can play in reducing opioid related harm, there has been an increase in the number of clients registered on methadone programs. In Australia, this has been accompanied by changes in the nature and type of treatment setting where methadone is available. A number of reviews have made explicit recommendations on the need for high quality training and effective authorisation processes as a part of ensuring effective treatment development and delivery. This paper describes a training, authorisation and review process for medical practitioners involved in methadone maintenance treatment in South Australia. While formal evaluation is yet to be completed, a number of circumstantial indicators suggest the program has had a major impact improving access and reducing a number of harms associated with illicit opioid use.