Sheriffs want lists of patients using painkillers

[ovidsen]

I would have put this under "breaking news", only the story is dated Wednesday 9/8/10. So I decided to post it here. IMO, if this law (or a similar one) is enacted, it will have serious repercussions on those who depend on morphine based pain killing drugs that can mean the difference between living a normal life and one where chronic and unrelenting pain (back injuries, compound fractures of the hands or feet) overshadows everything you do. It will also make the drugs covered more expensive, since it will cost pharmacists money to conduct these checks. An expense that will (of course) be passed onto legitimate users. So for those of you (like me) who may have missed it, here it is::

Sheriffs in North Carolina want access to state computer records identifying anyone with prescriptions for powerful painkillers and other controlled substances.

The state sheriff's association pushed the idea Tuesday, saying the move would help them make drug arrests and curb a growing problem of prescription drug abuse. But patient advocates say opening up people's medicine cabinets to law enforcement would deal a devastating blow to privacy rights.

Allowing sheriffs' offices and other law enforcement officials to use the state's computerized list would vastly widen the circle of people with access to information on prescriptions written for millions of people. As it stands now, doctors and pharmacists are the main users.

Read more: http://www.newsobserver.com/2010/09/08/669723/lists-of-pain-pillpatients-sought.html#ixzz0z7YNZ4Y1

[AsahinaKimi]

1. And what would happen with

The Patients bill of Rights, not to mention Doctor Patient Confidentiality?

Confidentiality (privacy) of health information

You have the right to talk privately with health care providers and to have your health care information protected. You also have the right to read and copy your own medical record. You have the right to ask that your doctor change your record if it is not correct, relevant, or complete.

http://www.cancer.org/Treatment/FindingandPayingforTreatment/UnderstandingFinancialandLegalMatters/patients-bill-of-rights

[elocs]

2. Yes, this was a big story here also...on Wednesday, with 134 Recs:

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=view_all&address=102x4532783

[alphafemale]

3. He might also "want" to p_ss rainbows and 'sh_t pots of gold.

But that's not happening either.

[Bitwit1234]

4. As posted before I had a serious operation and need

hydrocodone for pain that recurs sometimes. I would not want any body to know that I have a prescription for this hydrocodone because it is no ones business. If this sheriff would investigate and arrest the people who are selling and using illegal drugs he wouldn't have time to snoop in other peoples records. I suppose he is too lazy to go out and investigate, he wants it handed to him so he can make a name for himself like old grouchy butt in AZ.

[michreject]

5. They would use this to deny a applicant the right to carry a gun

This needs to be stopped asap.