The bill also contains an additional provision to expand the use of the Prescription Drug Monitoring Program. This database is currently used to ensure patients don’t receive identical prescriptions from different doctors.
Scott was once highly critical of the database and its usage, but came around to it after Attorney General Pam Bondi lobbied for its use as a way to combat opioid addiction.
Under the new provision, doctors will be required to look up their patients prior to issuing a prescription for addictive pain relievers. Currently, only pharmacists are required to consult the database to monitor for abuse.
The legislation has drawn praise from the president of the Florida Sheriff’s Association, Sheriff Michael Adkinson of Walton County. It was also called “the beginning of the beginning,” by Mary Lynn Ulrey – a nurse practitioner and CEP of the Drug Abuse Comprehensive Coordinating office in Tampa.
“I am glad to see discussion around the bill. I’m hopeful that they’re paying attention,” Ulrey said. “They know it’s a crisis. And they’re trying to do something.”
