LANSING (WKZO-AM) — The growing problem of heroin abuse has prompted two local state senators to propose a package of bills that are targeted at doctors to prevent overprescribing medicine.
They want to make sure doctors aren’t contributing to an opioid addiction.
Sen. Tonya Schuitmaker, R-Lawton, said the bills would require that a doctor check with the Michigan Automated Prescription System to make sure a patient that is receiving such drugs also doesn’t have prescriptions from other doctors.
That practice is called “doctor shopping.”
Proposals from Sen. Margaret O’Brien, R-Portage, would increase penalties for physicians who overprescribe from a two-year misdemeanor to a 15-year felony.
Supporters of the legislation say some doctors have been known to conspire with local pharmacies, setting up what law enforcement call a “pill mill,” essentially selling narcotics for cash.
The proposed bills were part of a task force recommendation and have been assigned to the Senate Committee on Health Policy.
– John McNeill
