Yes on I685

It is a sad fact that so many doctors in our state practice what is known as
defensive medicine.

Often doctors and their patients know pain medication is needed for certain
conditions but the doctor is afraid to prescribe sufficient pain medication,
relying instead on potentially harmful antiinflamatorys and acetaminophen.
This practice of defensive medicine comes from the doctor's fear of Drug
Enforcement Administration intervention whenever narcotic medications are
involved. The DEA is meant to protect us from foreign drug smugglers yet
they constantly interfere with doctor/patient relationships.

This year the voters of Washington state have the chance to stand up for the
rights of doctors and their patients. Initiative 685 gives doctors the right
to discuss and decide on the best medical care possible without interference
from the DEA.

Stand up for the rights of doctors and medical patients. Help end the
fearful practice of defensive medicine in our state. Vote yes on Initiative
685.

Tom Hawkins
Grand Coulee, WA