April 12, 2012
Media Contact: Jenn Meale
Phone: (850) 245-0150
Attorney General Bondi Participates in the Operation UNITE Prescription Drug Abuse Summit
TALLAHASSEE, Fla.–Attorney General Pam Bondi today spoke at Operation UNITE’s National Prescription Drug Abuse Summit in Orlando. She discussed her office’s role in stopping prescription drug abuse and closing illicit pain management clinics. Attorney General Bondi 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. Lawmakers, law enforcement members, health care professionals and others attended the summit.
“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,” stated Attorney General Pam Bondi. “This is a clear sign that our new law and coordinated law enforcement responses are producing real results. This summit is an excellent opportunity to share ideas and continue the forward momentum in fighting prescription drug abuse.”
Attorney General Bondi moderated the Forum of the Congressional Caucus on Prescription Drug Abuse, which included the following members: U.S. Representative Mary Bono Mack (Co-Founder and Co-Chair), U.S. Representative Jack Kingston, U.S. Representative Nick J. Rahall II, and U.S. Representative Harold “Hal” Rogers (Co-Founder and Co-Chair).
Additionally, Attorney General Bondi shared Florida’s Prescription Drug Diversion and Abuse Roadmap, a comprehensive plan to sustain efforts to curb prescription drug abuse.