Pubdate: Tue, 08 Jun 2004
Source: Oklahoman, The (OK)
Copyright: 2004 The Oklahoma Publishing Co.
Contact:  http://www.oklahoman.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/318
Author: Michael Baker
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/meth.htm (Methamphetamine)

PSEUDOEPHEDRINE RULE TAKES EFFECT

Oklahoma pharmacies ran out of time Monday to place pseudoephedrine tablets 
behind the counter. If the methamphetamine additive is out in the open, 
pharmacies are now risking the chance of substantial fines or even jail 
time, said Mark Woodward, spokesman for the Oklahoma Bureau of Narcotics 
and Danger Drugs.

Gov. Brad Henry signed legislation April 6 that banned the sale of 
pseudoephedrine tablets in stores without a licensed pharmacist. The law 
does not affect the sale of decongestant ingredient in capsule and liquid 
forms.

The law also required that licensed pharmacies place the tablets behind the 
counter or in a secure location. Customers must show photo identification 
and provide a signature to buy pseudoephedrine tablets.

Officials granted pharmacies a 60-day grace period before having to secure 
their tablets and begin logging signatures.

"We've already visited hundreds of pharmacies around the state and found 
most have been in compliance since early April," Woodward said. "However, 
there have been a few that have been dragging their feet."
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