State targeting prescription drug abuse

WWLP TV

Updated: Aug 10, 2012 7:38 PM

BOSTON (WWLP) — The state Legislature has recessed for the summer, but in a lightly-attended session they were able to pass a bill that cracks-down on prescription drug abuse in the Commonwealth.

The bill attempts to limit the number of doctors who over-prescribe medications that can be sold illegally or abused. It requires Massachusetts doctors to register with the state’s Prescription Monitoring Program – A program that keeps track of patient drug histories and puts them on watch lists if they exceed a set number of refills from different doctors. It also prohibits pharmacies from filling prescriptions for drugs unless they’re written by a doctor registered and licensed in New England.

Senate Minority Leader Bruce Tarr (R-Gloucester) explained for 22News some of the features of the bill.

“The prescription drug monitoring bill is one that would empower pharmacists and doctors to be able to track those who are using prescription drugs, with the idea of identifying those who are using them too frequently or may be ‘shopping,’ and creates the infrastructure to allow action to be taken to prevent those folks from abusing prescription drugs,” he said.

“The final bill also includes a ban on an addictive drug known as “bath salts”

Medical studies have shown bath salts to cause paranoia, and they have also been linked to violent incidents across the country.

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