METHADONE CLINIC PROPONENT STILL LOOKING FOR SUITABLE SITE

As of this week there are no active permits from Dr. Steven Richie to open
methadone clinics in Northeast Tennessee cities. But that doesn't mean he
has given up hope.

A Nashville attorney who represents the Knoxville doctor contends there is
a need for such a clinic in East Tennessee.

In 2002, Richie attempted to bring a methadone clinic to downtown Johnson
City. Richie currently operates methadone clinics in Nashville and Memphis.

The Johnson City Addiction Research and Treatment Center received a
certificate of need from the now-defunct Tennessee Health Facilities
Commission, but that decision was overturned in May on appeal.

The clinic then made its own appeal to Davidson County Chancery Court.
However, the clinic voluntarily withdrew its appeal last month, thus giving
up the fight to open a Johnson City clinic.

Jerry Taylor, attorney for Richie, explained the reason behind the withdrawal.

"I think we decided that the time and expense of fully litigating that
issue was probably not justified under the circumstances," Taylor said.
"What we had determined to do was to re-file over in Morristown, and the
people in Johnson City agreed not to oppose that matter or cause us any
trouble on that.

"On that basis we agreed to withdraw the appeal."

Taylor said he filed an application in Morristown to operate a methadone
clinic, but again due to public outcry, he withdrew the paperwork last week.

As it stands now, Taylor said Richie has no applications pending anywhere
in Tennessee.

"But we still believe there is a need for a methadone clinic in East
Tennessee," Taylor said.

However, Taylor said Richie is not formally looking at any place in East
Tennessee to locate a methadone clinic.

"I think we've got our eyes open and our feelers out to see where it would
best meet patient needs and also not have significant public opposition to
it," Taylor said. "If and when we find that place, we will likely apply at
that time."

Taylor said Richie also has no time frame on when he will finalize a location.

Methadone is a legal, synthetic opioid that is used as a substitute for
heroin and other addictive painkillers. Regular oral consumption of the
drug blocks heroin withdrawal symptoms, one of the biggest hurdles for
addicts to overcome when they try to quit the drug.