Fighting Back Against Lethal Pill Mills in Florida

Prescription drug addiction is on the rise in Florida and here locally in Jacksonville, FL., where many pain management clinics or "Pill Mills" have been bringing carloads of patients from out of state. People travel from all over the United States like "Kentucky," "Tennessee," and other states to receive "three months" worth of medication. According to Howard (2010), some of these pain management or pill mill doctors may see more than 100 patients a day that pay cash for the visit and the pills they receive. These patients state that it is easier to obtain the prescription in Florida, because of the less restrictive laws than in their own hometown. Even patients in Florida are taking advantage of the ability to visit several of these pain clinics during the month.

The Problem

These medical facilities or "pill mills" make it easier for the addicts to obtain their fix, no matter what part of the United States they come from. Even businesses and neighborhoods began to complain about the crowds of people, who showed up daily at the clinic when it was open. The business owner's customer began complaining about the number of people who lined up at the clinic, because the merchants felt the consumers were unsafe because of the "tattered" or "high" look these clients had while waiting on their turn to see the facilities doctor. According to Howard (2010), many complaints stated that up to 40 people would wait in the parking lot or the customers would lie on the ground near the dumpster until the clinic opened.

New Laws

Thankfully, the federal and local authorities have been working together to change the laws concerning these shady clinics and the doctors who work in them, while writing these potent prescriptions like "OxyContin" and "Xanax." According to Howard (2010), several new requirements are being enforced at all 56 state registered pain management clinics here in Jacksonville. However, the state has set new standards in the type of care a patient can expect to receive when they visit these types of clinics. The new laws will require each clinic to be specially certified and follow strict guidelines on dispensing "72 hours worth of pills from the doctor's office" to anyone who chooses to pay with "cash" or a "credit card."

Enforcing the Laws

Furthermore, the clinics and the doctors will have to keep meticulous records on every patient to show that he or she has examined the patient before dispensing any type medication. According to Howard (2010), pain management doctors will now have a set limit on the amount of prescriptions that they can write in a day. These shady clinics ruining the reputation of legitimate pain management centers, so the state and federal authorities are trying to close these pill mills. However, the local and federal authorities hope these new laws will help stop these unethical clinics from setting up shop in Florida. According to Howard & Pinkman (2010), Jacksonville has become a key part of a pipeline that is steadily pumping poison throughout the state of Florida.

Preventing Pill Mills

These new laws will affect patients who see legitimate pain management doctors in Jacksonville for the chronic pain they suffer. Some may see them because of a disease or an ongoing medical condition that may require the help of pain medication. According to Morrison (2010), these patients have tried other therapies with their doctor, before seeking help through a legitimate pain management physician who monitor their progress monthly. Many lawmakers claim the "Prevention is the key," and other claim "Education" is a way to detour this addictive behavior. However, according Morrison (2010), the lawmakers want to start teaching prevention to middle school children and find a way to stop this growing epidemic.

Conclusion

Unfortunately, these prescription pain medications are killing adults and teens due to overdosing on the medication. Additionally, the patients who are visiting the clinics are selling these medications on the street. Florida can set tougher laws for these pain management clinics to abide by, but they must also deal with the addicts who will do anything to get their next fix. These new laws will not combat the problem alone, but law enforcement will have new ways to fight against the lethal epidemic that is plaguing our state. Therefore, it is vital for the federal and state authorities to continue creating and enforcing laws to stop this "lethal" pipeline from continuing to thrive, while educating others about the dangers of becoming addicted to these pain medications.

References:

Howard, K. (2010) Crowded pain clinics rattle neighbors
Retrieved on October 16, 2010 from the World Wide Web
http://jacksonville.com/news/2010-09-24/story/crowded-pain-clinics-rattle-neighbors

Howard, K (2010) Florida's New Pill Mill Law Goes in Effect Today
Retrieved on October 17, 2010 from the World Wide Web
http://jacksonville.com/news/crime/2010-10-01/story/florida%E2%80%99s-new-pill-mill-law-goes-effect-today

Howard, K & Pinkman, P. (2010) Florida Pill Mills Pump Poison through the South
Retrieved on October 15, 2010 from the World Wide Web
http://jacksonville.com/news/crime/2010-09-24/story/florida-pill-mills-pump-poison-through-south

Morrison, K.(2010) Legitimate Care Hurt by Spread of Pill Mills in Northeast Florida
Retrieved on October 15, 2010 from the World Wide Web
http://jacksonville.bizjournals.com/jacksonville/stories/2010/08/23/story8.html