Pubdate: Wed, 24 Mar 2004
Source: Huntsville Times (AL)
Copyright: 2004 The Huntsville Times
Contact:  http://www.htimes.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/730

KEEPING TABS ON DRUGS

A State Database on Narcotic Prescriptions Is Reasonable

A bill to set up a controlled substances database has passed the Alabama 
Senate and is in the hands of the House. But it may be giving some folks 
heartburn. What, they say, gives the government the right to know what 
pills a citizen is taking?

If the database, as outlined in the measure sponsored by Sen. Larry Means, 
D-Attalla, included everything from blood pressure to cholesterol 
medication - and drugs that deal with more intimate problems - those 
worries would be well-founded.

Such information might be kept secret, but it might not. And if it fell 
into the hands of insurance companies and banks that have no business with 
it, it could adversely affect employment and financial standing.

But, assures the Medical Society of the State of Alabama, the bill does 
nothing of the sort. Instead, it prevents the kind of abuse that folks like 
radio talk show host Rush Limbaugh have been alleged to have committed - 
"doctor shopping" so that narcotics and other addictive medicine can be 
stockpiled for use or sale.

It's a real health problem, and one that Alabama is wise to try to prevent 
- - for the good of the state and for the individuals beset by addiction 
problems.

The database will allow the state Department of Public Health to monitor 
the prescribing and dispensing of dangerous drugs.

The bill will not only allow the state to know when individuals obviously 
are abusing controlled substances; it will also help finger those doctors 
who can, under current conditions, operate as legal drug dealers.

It's important, though, for the state to keep proper safeguards on the type 
of drugs it monitors. Controlled substances, which are addictive and 
dangerous, are one thing. All other prescription drugs - called "legend 
drugs" - have no business in anybody's database.

With that important distinction solidly in place, the House should support 
the Senate-passed measure.
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MAP posted-by: Terry Liittschwager