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Florida's Drug Database Up And Running

MIAMI (CBS4) – A long-debated prescription drug database aimed at cracking down on so-called 'pill mills' in the state is up and running.

Florida pharmacies and other providers of prescription medication are now required to submit information within seven days of dispensing targeted drugs like OxyContin and Xanax.  Also, the person receiving the prescription has their name, address, date of birth, gender and drug entered into the system.

The Prescription Drug Monitoring Program is part of the state's effort to crack down on "pill mills" that supply painkillers to drug dealers and addicts.

Florida is one of the last states to adopt such a system.

Law enforcement officials say that's one reason why Florida has become the nation's leading supplier of prescription drugs for illicit use.

It first was hampered by a lack of state funding, relying instead on federal grants and private contributions.

Then it was delayed by a contract dispute.

Finally, Gov. Rick Scott tried to kill it. He relented when the Florida Senate refused to repeal the law that created it.

 

 

(TM and © Copyright 2011 CBS Radio Inc. and its relevant subsidiaries. CBS RADIO and EYE Logo TM and Copyright 2010 CBS Broadcasting Inc. Used under license. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. The News Service of Florida contributed to this report.)

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