Drug Monitoring Program to prevent people from 'doctor shopping'
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Drug Monitoring Program to prevent people from 'doctor shopping'

Date: March 26, 2012
By: Natalia Allen
State Capitol Bureau
Links: HB 1193

Intro: 
A drug monitoring program will allow law enforcement officials access to medical documents.
RunTime:  0:39
OutCue:  SOC

Wrap: A Senate committee reviews a bill to create a drug monitoring program to prevent people from 'doctor shopping' and abusing prescription drugs.

Republican Senator Kevin Engler says prescriptions are one of the fastest growing drug abuse areas.

Actuality:  ENGLER02.WAV
Run Time:  00:09
Description: "Those people are doctor shopping for a purpose.  They are selling the drugs, illegally.  Their reason they get five prescriptions for fifty pills of oxycontin because they go out and sell them."

According to the bill, both in-state and out-of-state doctors, pharmacists and local, state and federal law enforcement officials will have access to the individuals medical documents.

The Senate committee did not vote on the bill.

Reporting from the state Capitol, I'm Natalia Allen.

Intro: 
A St. Louis based drug distribution company supports a bill to create a drug monitoring program.
RunTime:  0:23
OutCue:  SOC

Wrap: An Express Scripts representative says 'doctor shopping' and prescription drug abuse is a serious problem.

Brian Grace says Express Scripts shares the same position as drug companies.

Actuality:  GRACE01.WAV
Run Time:  00:06
Description: "There is an epidemic right now that's happening and it's making it harder for us to put legitimate drugs in the hands of people that need it."
 
The Senate committee did not vote on the bill.

Reporting from the state Capitol, I'm Natalia Allen.