PRESCRIPTION-DRUG DATABAS

Scott, Cannon Turn Backs on Killers

Maybe the opponents of a statewide system for monitoring the
prescription of high-powered narcotics are holding out for more money
from the pharmaceutical industry.

It's doubtful. But that strategy is the only logical reason for Gov.
Rick Scott and House Speaker Dean Cannon to oppose implementation of
the system.

Last year, in response to increasing numbers of deaths related to
prescription painkillers, babies born addicted to the drugs and
Florida's status as the go-to state for drug buyers, the Legislature
passed a law that calls for a prescription-drug-monitoring program.

The details of prescription-drug addiction make the need for action
clear.

In the first half of 2010, the Orlando Sentinel reports, Florida
officials recorded 635 such cases. The frequency of reported cases
during those six months was, according to the most recent data
available, on pace to exceed the numbers from 2009 -- when nearly
1,000 babies were treated for the painful symptoms linked to
withdrawal. From 2006 to 2009, Florida experienced a 173 percent
increase in such cases.

Prescription drugs contributed to the deaths of about 2,500 Floridians
of all ages during each of the past several years, with the numbers
increasing annually, reports the Florida Medical Examiners Commission.
Experts believe that the number of drug-related deaths is
substantially understated, in part because medical examiners don't
conduct autopsies after all deaths.

Database Makes System Work

The strong consensus among legitimate pain-management specialists,
drug-abuse experts and law enforcement officials is that a statewide
database is the most important component of an effective monitoring
program.

Legislatures in a majority of the states have created databases and
reported declines in drug-abuse problems -- as Florida has experienced
increases.

Scott and Cannon want to undo Florida's program, citing privacy
concerns and costs.

States with databases have protected privacy. The benefits, to
individuals and society, of the program far outweigh the potential
risks.

Cannon and a House committee are now pushing a counterproductive bill
that would prevent all doctors from dispensing painkillers. That
ignores the fact that many of the pills are dispensed at pharmacies.

The program will cost Florida nothing to implement: The pharmaceutical
industry committed to providing start-up funds.

Scott Refuses Private Funding

Senate President Mike Haridopolos, a supporter, announced this week
that Purdue Pharma offered $1 million to fund the program two years.

Scott rebuffed the offer, saying the program might later cost Florida
money.

If the state can get more money from the industry, fine. But if public
funds are required to protect and save lives, they are worth the cost.