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Updated: 10:48 AM Feb 24, 2011
Pill Mill Rage In Florida
Pressure is mounting on Florida to do something about the state's pill mill problem. The US Drug Czar along with law enforcement officers from other states are growing frustrated because people are flocking to Florida, loading up on painkillers and overdosing.
Posted: 4:33 PM Feb 23, 2011 Pill Mill Database |
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4 Comments 
Pressure is mounting on Florida to do something about the state's pill mill problem. The US Drug Czar along with law enforcement officers from other states are growing frustrated because people are flocking to Florida, loading up on painkillers and overdosing. A new prescription drug database would stop the doctor shopping, but Florida's rogue governor isn't having it.
Florida is ridden with pill mills. During a six months period, nine million painkillers were prescribed in just two south Florida counties. Seven deaths a day are attributed to people in Florida illegally using legal drugs. Lawmakers created a prescription drug database to curb the problem. The database set to go online this spring would track people who go from doctor to doctor collecting meds.
Governor Rick Scott is taking a defiant stance against the database even though it’s heavily supported by members of his own party. "I don't support the database. I believe it's an invasion of privacy."
The database would help Republican Attorney General Pam Bondi in her fight to stop the South Florida pill mills, but she's reluctant to chastise the governor's decision. "It's my goal to use every tool possible to shut them down. That includes implementing the rules that have been previously frozen."
The tension is building at the capitol as officials line up against the governor or keep quiet. Scott's not only catching heat from lawmakers here in Tallahassee but the Feds and law enforcement officers in other state's are fed up with him because they say the pill mill problem in Florida is also killing resident's in their states.
Senator Mike Fasano, whose legislation created the database says Scott can’t stop it. "It's in law and he can't just, all of a sudden, wipe a law out. As much of what Governor Scott would like to do with some of our laws--he can't just wipe it out."
Legislative efforts are underway in the House to find a replacement for the database that satisfies the governor.
For at least the first year the database would be paid for with 1.3 million dollars of federal grants and private donations.
Latest Comments
Governor Rick needs to tell the truth. The Pharmaaaceutical companies are making millions and you can bet Rick Scott is getting his share.... It is not about the people who need the medication for chronic pain or about the people who abuse it AND DIE. Take a look at his record, he made millions off of FL's medical system. he know how to put the money in his pocket. My husband is in cronic pain and will be for the rest of his life. I try to get his perscription fille and for some reason "IT IS ALWAYS ON BACK ORDER" People who don't need it and abuse it are getting the drugs while the people who live here in Florida can't get it. THEY ARE SUFFERING BECAUSE OUR GOVERNOR WOULD RATHER STUFF HIS POCKETS THEN SAVE LIVES AND ASSIST THE PEOPLE WHO REALLY NEED THE MEDICATION... The manufacture are making millions and so is RICK SCOTT. JUST LIKE HE DID OFF OUR MEDICARE SYSTEM.. We need the database system. It will save millions for law enforcement, emergency rooms, reabilation cents.
Seems Florida has become the "Columbia like" drug source for the US. Hmm, why don't we add casino gambling to the mix too. Pill mills, gambling, organized crime, wow what a state!
I HAVE MET PEOPLE LIKE THIS BEFORE IT DONT MATTER WHAT EVIDENCE IS PUT BEFORE THEM....THEY ARE RIGHT THEY CANT BE WRONG.
