National Program for Home Oxygen Therapy (NPHOT)

This program makes specialized equipment and accessories available for loan to adults and children requiring long-term oxygen treatment at home. The equipment is used to compensate for impaired respiratory function.

The equipment loans and professional services provided under the program enable participants to use, on their own or with the help of others, the equipment required to receive oxygen treatment on an outpatient basis.

Eligible pediatric patients include infants (less than 1 year of age), children (1 to 12 years of age) and adolescents (13 to 17 years of age) who require oxygen treatment at home.

To benefit from the program’s services, patients must obtain a specialized medical assessment, preferably by a referred respirologist or physician. The assessment is required to ensure the person being treated meets the eligibility criteria. 

In addition to medical criteria, several other factors are also considered in the decision to initiate long-term oxygen therapy at home. For example, the patient’s living environment, motivation, and level of commitment and cooperation are assessed.

To be eligible for this program, patients must also:

• Live in Quebec
• Have an attending physician
• Be able to consent to receiving oxygen therapy care and services at home
• Assist with oxygen therapy treatment and follow safety guidelines regarding the use of oxygen at home
• Be able to accommodate the treatment equipment at home
• Use and maintain the equipment provided

Patients are not eligible if they:

• Do not meet the medical criteria at the time of the respiratory medical assessment
• Smoke: A person registered in the program who fails a tobacco screening test will no longer be able to receive services
• Are living in a healthcare facility, rehabilitation centre, nursing home or long-term care facility

There are no fees or deductibles to pay.

The equipment must be returned when it is no longer being used or if the patient dies.

A person who already has their own equipment may, subject to an evaluation, transfer ownership of the equipment in order to benefit from certain services under the program, such as technical support and maintenance.

To register for this program, ask your doctor to refer you to a respirologist who can conduct the medical assessment and complete your application if you meet the criteria.

A needs assessment will be conducted at least once a year or as determined by the medical criteria.

For more information on this program, contact your Integrated Health and Social Services Centre (CISSS) or your Integrated University Health and Social Services Centre (CIUSSS). For contact information, consult the following page: Finding Your Integrated Health and Social Services Centre (CISSS) or Your Integrated University Health and Social Services Centre .

You can also visit the Association pulmonaire du Québec  website for information on lung health.

For assistance, contact the Office des personnes handicapées du Québec .