Health News
Gov. Steve Beshear is in a position to reshape a state medical board that has played a central and controversial role in recent efforts to crack down on prescription drug abuse. Mike Wynn of The Courier-Journal reports that the terms of three members of the Kentucky Medical Licensure Board expired Aug. 31, and two other members? terms await action after ending last year.
The licensure board drew criticism in 2011 "for not taking more aggressive action against so-called pill mills and corrupt doctors who supply Kentucky?s drug epidemic," Wynn writes. "The medical industry also has criticized the board in recent months for writing what doctors view as overly complex and excessive prescription regulations under HB 1, a landmark bill from the 2012 General Assembly that takes aim at abuse of drugs."
Beshear spokeswoman Kerri Richardson said the appointments are under review but did not indicate how the governor might proceed other than noting that he will consider qualifications and recommendations. Current board members serve until Beshear makes any new appointments. (Read more)
- Legislature Sends Fix Of Last Year's Pill-mill Bill To Beshear
"After more than a year of debate, a bill that would revamp Kentucky?s prescription-drug law to more strictly focus on pill abuse and ease requirements on patients is heading to the governor?s desk," Mike Wynn reports for The Courier-Journal. On a 36-0...
- Medical Licensure Board Changing Rules To Focus More On Painkillers; Fewer Urine Tests For Patients, Fewer Reports For Doctors
Patients in long-term treatment with controlled substances won't have to have their urine tested for drugs unless they are on painkillers, and doctors will have wide discretion over how often to do the tests, under new rules being drafted by the Kentucky...
- Doctor Complaints About Bill Aimed At Reducing Prescription Drug Abuse Largely Based On Misconceptions, Health Officials Say
State health officials say doctors' complaints about House Bill 1, which cracks down on pill mills and doctors who supply the illegal prescription pill trade, result from misunderstandings and misconceptions about the law's language...
- Tensions Mounting As Implementation Of Prescription Drug Bill Nears On July 20
House Speaker Greg Stumbo, D-Prestonsburg, sponsored the prescription drug bill. (Courier-Journal photo)A controversial bill aimed at curbing prescription drug abuse, which was considered by many as the hallmark of the 2012 General Assembly, is creating...
- In Bipartisan Way, Political Leaders Push Passage Of 'pill Mill' Bill
A bipartisan group of political leaders issued a call today "to pass a bill that will help the state battle one of its most significant threats ? prescription drug abuse," a press release from Gov. Steve Beshear's office said. Beshear, Attorney General...
Health News
In wake of pill-mill regulation fight, Beshear has chance to craft a medical licensing board more to his liking
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| Gov. Steve Beshear |
The licensure board drew criticism in 2011 "for not taking more aggressive action against so-called pill mills and corrupt doctors who supply Kentucky?s drug epidemic," Wynn writes. "The medical industry also has criticized the board in recent months for writing what doctors view as overly complex and excessive prescription regulations under HB 1, a landmark bill from the 2012 General Assembly that takes aim at abuse of drugs."
Beshear spokeswoman Kerri Richardson said the appointments are under review but did not indicate how the governor might proceed other than noting that he will consider qualifications and recommendations. Current board members serve until Beshear makes any new appointments. (Read more)
- Legislature Sends Fix Of Last Year's Pill-mill Bill To Beshear
"After more than a year of debate, a bill that would revamp Kentucky?s prescription-drug law to more strictly focus on pill abuse and ease requirements on patients is heading to the governor?s desk," Mike Wynn reports for The Courier-Journal. On a 36-0...
- Medical Licensure Board Changing Rules To Focus More On Painkillers; Fewer Urine Tests For Patients, Fewer Reports For Doctors
Patients in long-term treatment with controlled substances won't have to have their urine tested for drugs unless they are on painkillers, and doctors will have wide discretion over how often to do the tests, under new rules being drafted by the Kentucky...
- Doctor Complaints About Bill Aimed At Reducing Prescription Drug Abuse Largely Based On Misconceptions, Health Officials Say
State health officials say doctors' complaints about House Bill 1, which cracks down on pill mills and doctors who supply the illegal prescription pill trade, result from misunderstandings and misconceptions about the law's language...
- Tensions Mounting As Implementation Of Prescription Drug Bill Nears On July 20
House Speaker Greg Stumbo, D-Prestonsburg, sponsored the prescription drug bill. (Courier-Journal photo)A controversial bill aimed at curbing prescription drug abuse, which was considered by many as the hallmark of the 2012 General Assembly, is creating...
- In Bipartisan Way, Political Leaders Push Passage Of 'pill Mill' Bill
A bipartisan group of political leaders issued a call today "to pass a bill that will help the state battle one of its most significant threats ? prescription drug abuse," a press release from Gov. Steve Beshear's office said. Beshear, Attorney General...