Special report: Pharmacies denying legitimate prescriptions

Pharmacist says patients can be harmed by pain killer restrictions

There are several excellent videos on the webpage.. and I could not get to embed them into this post

http://www.wesh.com/health/pharmacies-denying-legitimate-prescriptions/30986442

These responses from these entities… what a bunch of BULLSHIT.. they are all trying to do their best to make sure that legit pts get their meds… they are seeking new ways to accomplish that… the DEA is concerned…

The CSA states the scripts must be written by a practitioner like a doctor, dentist, or veterinarian for a “legitimate medical purpose…in the usual course of his or her professional practice.  DEA does not decide what that is—state boards do.   I haven’t stopped after reading this the first time..  I don’t know how many times that I seen statements from a DEA spokespersons stating that they have determined that a prescriber is prescribing EXCESSIVE amounts of controls.

WESH 2 News Investigates asked the DEA for an on-camera interview, but the agency denied, instead issuing this statement:

“The DEA is aware of legitimate patients not being able to get their prescription for pain medications filled at large retail pharmacies.  We too are very concerned about this issue. The DEA does not interfere between a valid doctor and legitimate patient relationship.  The Controlled Substances Act (CSA) that we enforce does not focus on patient traits but rather on prescriptions.  The CSA states the scripts must be written by a practitioner like a doctor, dentist, or veterinarian for a “legitimate medical purpose…in the usual course of his or her professional practice.  DEA does not decide what that is—state boards do.  If a pharmacy chooses not to fill a prescription for someone, that is their decision, not the DEA’s. Pharmacists should use their professional judgment based on their training and experience, and relationship with their patients and doctors. Pharmacists are a part of the healthcare team and the last line of defense against diversion of prescription medication. Any pharmacist filling legitimate prescriptions do not need to be afraid of DEA in any way.”

 

Statement from Walgreens:

“With the sharp rise in abuse of painkillers in recent years, health care professionals in all practices are continuously striving to find better ways of ensuring those medications are used only for legitimate medical purposes. We firmly believe that addressing prescription drug abuse will require all parties –including leaders in the community, physicians, distributors and regulators — to play a role in findings solutions to combatting abuse while balancing patient access to critical care.”

 

Statement from CVS:

“CVS/pharmacy recognizes the need for patients to have access to appropriate and effective pain relief. At the same time, prescription drug abuse is a growing problem in the health care industry. As health care providers on the front lines of health care delivery, our pharmacists use their professional judgment and consider a variety of factors when determining whether a prescription for a controlled substance was issued for a legitimate purpose, which is part of their professional responsibility under state and federal law.”

Statement from the Florida Department of Health:

“As you may know, in recent years, the Florida Legislature has made a number of changes in regard to the treatment of chronic, non-malignant pain. These changes were made as an effort to prevent the growing abuse of pain medications. When making these changes, the Legislature sought to balance the needs of patients with medical conditions and the safety of Florida’s general population. The Department remains committed to ensuring that the practice of pharmacy in Florida is conducted in compliance with Florida law. While pharmacists are encouraged to use their professional judgment when filling a prescription, the Florida Board of Pharmacy has urged them to always fill what they consider a valid prescription representing a legitimate patient-physician relationship. The Board remains in contact with the DEA’s Division Office of Diversion Control in its continuing effort to ensure that Florida pharmacists can practice their profession with confidence and compassion. Patients who do find it difficult to access their medications may find it beneficial to contact their physician and request that he/she reach out to their local pharmacist on their behalf to assist with getting prescriptions filled.”

So are they admitting that the Florida Legislature passed laws that interferes with the practice of medicine and how those with chronic non-malignant pain … Is to be treated DIFFERENTLY…  isn’t that discrimination ? Those familiar with medical science .. I think can state that there is main two components to pain.. source and intensity..  So if the Florida Legislature is discriminating among pts covered under the ADA… wouldn’t that make any such law UNCONSTITUTIONAL ?

Filed under: General Problems