Authors: Jacinta M. Gau, William D. Moreto, Roberto Hugh
Potter, Erika J. Brooke\
Abstract:
The primary goal of this research was to determine whether
Florida law HB 7095 and related legislation reduced the number of pain clinics
abusively dispensing opioid prescriptions in the State, as well as to assess
the logistics of administering the law.
Florida law HB 7095 was signed into law on June 3, 2011,
going into effect on July 1, 2011. It established several new regulations for
the physical facilities of pain clinics and the acceptable minimum extent of
medical examinations and follow-ups physicians must perform on patients before
and after prescribing them opioids for the treatment of chronic, non-malignant
pain. HB 7095 was intended to compel physicians and clinics currently operating
in a sub-standard manner in dispensing opioid prescriptions to improve their
services or be forced out of business.
The findings presented in this report indicate that the
Florida effort against rampant "pill mills" was largely successful,
which is consistent with research that has documented reductions in
opioid-related deaths in Florida. Further, the findings show the key role of
interagency cooperation in the success of the legislation.
The benefits of collaboration and cooperation in conjunction
with Florida's legislation should be considered a model for future efforts in
Florida and elsewhere in reducing easy access to prescription opioids.
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