US Senator Supports Bills to Fight Prescription Drug Abuse and Related Crimes

July 21, 2011 10:57 am Topics: Prescription drug abuse

Senator Chuck Schumer is pushing for the adoption of two bills to prevent prescription drug abuse and to penalize individuals convicted of related crimes. The Prescription Drug Abuse Prevention and Treatment Act of 2011 (S507), introduced to the United States Senate in March 2011, and co-sponsored by Schumer, would help fight prescription drug abuse by providing additional funding for state prescription monitoring programs (PMPs) and by providing training for prescribers. The bill would make $25 million available to support the development and enhancement of state PMPs, and supports the sharing of data across state lines. As noted in a press release, the proposed law would require prescribers “to receive education on clinical standards on safe pain management, as well as the early warning signs of addiction, to prescribe controlled substances.” A bill supported by Schumer earlier in the year would increase penalties for individuals convicted of related crimes such as pharmacy robbery. The senator has also voiced support for federal action against Internet drug outlets.