COMBATING DRUG EPIDEMIC

The state Legislature has taken important first steps in combating the
prescription drug epidemic that has taken hold of the Tampa Bay area,
but there is still much more work to be done. One bill alone will not
solve this crisis, as the criminals responsible for it are very
resourceful when it comes to finding and exploiting legal loopholes.
While some loopholes in the recently passed legislation are already
known, others may not become evident until later. The Legislature must
take the appropriate measures to ensure these loopholes are closed. It
will take the assistance of the medical profession to weed out the bad
actors who prey on our residents and assist the criminal element.

Many believe that requiring the use of a live and interactive
prescription data system for the dispensing of all controlled
substances, similar to the programs pharmacies utilize, could be the
best measure to fight this epidemic. Such a system would allow doctors
to be our greatest ally in this cause.

The responsibility of fighting this drug problem does not lie solely
in the hands of the Legislature; conscientious leaders in the medical
community must take action as well. Some members of that profession
have sued the state to halt enforcement of the new law. Others
advocate for undefined alternative solutions. The time is now for
doctor groups and associations to support laws that seek to eliminate
the bad actors among their ranks and assist in solving this problem.
Cooperation among lawmakers, the medical community and law enforcement
will result in less prescription drug addiction and drug-related crime
in our state.

State Rep. John Legg, Port Richey