Pubdate: Sun, 25 Sep 2005 Source: Ogdensburg Journal/Advance News (NY) Copyright: 2005 Johnson Newspaper Corp. Contact: http://www.ogd.com/letter.htm Website: http://www.ogd.com/ Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/689 Author: Darlene Reagan Referenced: http://www.mapinc.org/drugnews/v05.n1484.a02 WAR ON DOCS To The Editor: After learning of the recent accusations concerning over prescribing of narcotics by Dr. Latimer, I researched this topic on the web. I was surprised to learn that this is a controversy situation nation wide. The DEA (Drug Enforcement Administration) is feeling pressure from federal and state officials to combat a spike in drug abuse. This is escalating a war on drugs that is effecting legitimate doctors, not unlike Dr Latimer, not to mention the patients experiencing pain. The reality is that some people suffer severe pain every day from back injuries, cancer, disabilities, arthritis, etc. The responsibility of the doctor is to the patient. The physician is required to treat the patient to the best of their ability. It is impossible to be sure that the patient is not diverting any of his medication. Since when do drug enforcement officers and district attorneys have the license to practice medicine? They do not have this license or expertise. Nor do the physicians have the expertise to act as Drug Enforcement Officers. These are two separate occupations with different agendas. Dr. Latimer has been cast in the middle of a national and political debate. He does not deserve this. This situation may cause paranoia amongst local physicians and effect how patients are treated. Please speak up to protect respected physicians before it effects or quality of health care in the North County. Darlene Reagan Waddington - --- MAP posted-by: Larry Seguin