On Thursday, I had the opportunity to speak to lawmakers, law enforcement members, health care professionals and others at Operation UNITE’s National Prescription Drug Abuse Summit in Orlando, which was an excellent opportunity to share ideas and continue the forward momentum in fighting prescription drug abuse. I discussed our office’s role in stopping prescription drug abuse and closing illicit pain management clinics.
Over the last year, we have seen a dramatic reduction in the number of pain clinics, increases in pill mill-related arrests, and a sharp decline in Florida’s share of physicians who dispense large amounts of oxycodone, but we are far from finished.
At the summit, I emphasized the need for collaboration among government entities and community-based organizations in order to reduce the supply of illegally diverted prescription drugs, reduce the demand for the drugs, and protect patients’ privacy rights and their access to medically necessary prescriptions.
During the summit I had the opportunity to moderate the Forum of the Congressional Caucus on Prescription Drug Abuse, which included the following members: U.S. Representative Mary Bono Mack, U.S. Representative Jack Kingston, U.S. Representative Nick J. Rahall II, and U.S. Representative Harold “Hal” Rogers.
Our progress so far is a clear sign that our new law and coordinated law enforcement responses are producing real results. I will remain dedicated to fighting prescription drug abuse.