Pubdate: Fri, 21 Aug 2015
Source: Repository, The (Canton, OH)
Copyright: 2015 The Repository
Contact: http://media.cantonrep.com/forms/letter_editor.php
Website: http://www.cantonrep.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/954
Author: Ida W. Warner

DRUG TESTING IS ESSENTIAL - AND NOT JUST FOR WELFARE RECIPIENTS

Ohio is now considering a pilot program to drug test welfare 
recipients. In my opinion this is a welcome thought. Paying state 
funds (welfare) to support a drug habit does not make sense. What 
might be considered is the testing of everyone over age 16 and the 
random testing of all adults regardless of being on welfare or not. 
It just makes sense.

Currently, my pain management doctor requires a drug urine test to 
ensure that the medication I take is being taken and that no drug 
diversion is taking place. This also makes sense.

In Ohio, pharmacists are required by law to report to the state of 
Ohio weekly all the controlled drugs they prescribe that are subject to abuse.

Medical professionals, doctors, pharmacists, etc., are able to access 
this report quickly and efficiently. This is called the Ohio 
Automated Rx Report System (OARRS) and it lists the drug history of 
any recipient. My physician also accesses this report to make certain 
I am not contacting any other physician. This also makes sense.

In conclusion, in my opinion, drug testing of older youth and their 
adult parents or custodians is essential. Every physician should be 
required to obtain an OARRS report BEFORE these medications are 
prescribed. This makes sense.

IDA W. WARNER, LOUISVILLE
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MAP posted-by: Jay Bergstrom