RADIO HOST'S MEDICAL RECORDS CAN BE PROBED, JUDGE DECIDES

WEST PALM BEACH - Prosecutors investigating whether Rush Limbaugh illegally
went ``doctor shopping'' for prescription painkillers may examine his
medical records, a judge ruled Tuesday.

The conservative radio commentator accused prosecutors of going after him
for political reasons, and his attorney promptly appealed the ruling.

Circuit Judge Jeffrey A. Winikoff said authorities have a compelling
interest in determining whether Limbaugh broke the law, which trumps his
right to keep the records private; however, the judge said prosecutors may
not make the records public.

Palm Beach County prosecutors insisted they needed to review the records to
determine how much Limbaugh's doctors knew about his frequent prescriptions
for OxyContin, hydrocodone and other painkillers, and whether he was
``doctor shopping.''

That term refers to looking for a doctor willing to prescribe drugs
illegally, or getting prescriptions for a single drug from more than one
doctor at the same time.

Limbaugh recently admitted his addiction to painkillers. He took a
five-week leave from his radio show for treatment.