Analysis of Florida House Bill 7095: Prescription Drugs
Bill Analysis of House Bill 7095:
Prescription Drugs
Christian Butterfield
PAD 3003 – 02
Dr. Tracy Banner
June 8, 2011
Analysis of House Bill 7095:
Prescription Drugs
Executive Summary
House Bill 7095, relating to Prescription Drugs or more commonly known as the “Pill Mill Bill” was passed by the Florida Legislature on May 6, 2011, and signed by Governor Rick Scott on June 3, 2011. In essence, H.B. 7095 regulates all facets of the prescribing and dispensing of pain killers and controlled substances, from distributors all the way to pharmacists and doctors. One of the main aspects of the bill is its enforcement of s. 456.44 F.S.; which deals with the dispensing of prescription drugs such as pain killers and controlled substances; by making it a third-degree felony for not abide by the requirements set forth by H.B. 7095. In addition to the penalties H.B. 7095 may issue it also provides other measures to combat the “pill mills” such as the required use of state-approved counterfeit-proof prescription pads, requiring to keep and make available the prescription history of prescribed patients, limiting the amount of controlled substances that can be distributed to pharmacies, and not allowing physicians to dispense controlled substances or pain killers except for emergency purposes.
Background
The “Pill Mill Bill” or H.B. 7095 was a bill of great importance during this past legislative session receiving significant support from both Attorney General Pam Bondi and Governor Rick Scott and its value was demonstrated as both the House and the Senate passed H.B. 7095 unanimously (LobbyTools, 2011). Prescription drug abuse of both controlled substances and pain killers in Florida has intensified over the years to the point where Governor Scott’s administration felt the only option was to pass legislature in order to curtail the drug abuse. Another significant problem with controlled substances and pain killers was the ease one could receive
Prescription Drugs
Christian Butterfield
PAD 3003 – 02
Dr. Tracy Banner
June 8, 2011
Analysis of House Bill 7095:
Prescription Drugs
Executive Summary
House Bill 7095, relating to Prescription Drugs or more commonly known as the “Pill Mill Bill” was passed by the Florida Legislature on May 6, 2011, and signed by Governor Rick Scott on June 3, 2011. In essence, H.B. 7095 regulates all facets of the prescribing and dispensing of pain killers and controlled substances, from distributors all the way to pharmacists and doctors. One of the main aspects of the bill is its enforcement of s. 456.44 F.S.; which deals with the dispensing of prescription drugs such as pain killers and controlled substances; by making it a third-degree felony for not abide by the requirements set forth by H.B. 7095. In addition to the penalties H.B. 7095 may issue it also provides other measures to combat the “pill mills” such as the required use of state-approved counterfeit-proof prescription pads, requiring to keep and make available the prescription history of prescribed patients, limiting the amount of controlled substances that can be distributed to pharmacies, and not allowing physicians to dispense controlled substances or pain killers except for emergency purposes.
Background
The “Pill Mill Bill” or H.B. 7095 was a bill of great importance during this past legislative session receiving significant support from both Attorney General Pam Bondi and Governor Rick Scott and its value was demonstrated as both the House and the Senate passed H.B. 7095 unanimously (LobbyTools, 2011). Prescription drug abuse of both controlled substances and pain killers in Florida has intensified over the years to the point where Governor Scott’s administration felt the only option was to pass legislature in order to curtail the drug abuse. Another significant problem with controlled substances and pain killers was the ease one could receive
References: House Bill 7095. Bill Text. Retrieved June 5, 2011, from http://www.flsenate.gov/Session/Bill/2011/7095 FDLE, & Judiciary Medical Examiners Commission (2010). Drugs identified in deceased persons by florida medical examiners. 2010 Midterm Report, Retrieved June 5, 2011, from http://www.fdle.state.fl.us/Content/getdoc/8a59bd00-c38d-4be1-ac06-715a273b552e/MEC-2010-Interim-Report.aspx Thomas (2011). Judiciary Committee. House of Representatives Staff Analysis CS/HB 7095 , Retrieved June 5, 2011, from http://www.flsenate.gov/Session/Bill/2011/7095/Analyses/NPuGI3dD9wW4hjN05H4sAeoprUs=%7C7/Public/Bills/7000-7099/7095/Analysis/h7095a.JDC.PDF Zink, J., & George, J. (2011, June 03). Gov. Rick Scott signs pill mill bill into law . Miami Herald. Retrieved June 06, 2011, from http://www.miamiherald.com/2011/06/03/2249936/scott-signs-pill-mill-bill-into.html LobbyTools Bill Summary. HB 7095 Relating to Prescription Drugs (2011 Session) . Retrieved June 5, 2011, from http://apps.lobbytools.com/pub/index.cfm?type=bills&id=32290#text Section 893.03, Florida Statutes Section 456.44, Florida Statues