Pubdate: Sat, 16 Apr 2005
Source: Times-Picayune, The (LA)
Copyright: 2005 The Times-Picayune
Contact:  http://www.nola.com/t-p/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/848
Author: Karen Turni Bazile, and Sandra Barbier
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/find?232 (Chronic Pain)
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/motd.htm (Pain Relief Network)

BILL SEEKS TO REIN IN PAIN CLINICS

As promised earlier this week, state Rep. Nita Hutter on Friday submitted a
bill for debate in the Legislature when it convenes later this month that
addresses the alarming number of prescription drug overdoses metrowide, a
plague that some have blamed on the proliferation of pain management clinics
that dole out narcotic medications.

Specifically, Hutter's proposed law would require that all pain
clinics, defined as facilities whose primary purpose is to treat pain
through narcotic medication, be owned and operated by a licensed board
certified physician specializing in pain treatment and in good
standing in Louisiana.

Hutter, R-Chalmette, attended Thursday's meeting of the St. Bernard
Parish Council Task Force on Pain Management led by Councilman Craig
Taffaro, a licensed substance abuse counselor. At the meeting, Hutter
said she got input from elected officials, as well as state and
federal officials involved in the effort to create a statewide
prescription monitoring program. "I think that's a significant problem
that needs to be addressed," Hutter said. "We have had an increased
rate of casualties due to drug-related overdoses. . . . We are trying
to promulgate rules that will help us better regulate this industry."

Hutter said she is proud that "St. Bernard has been instrumental in
bringing attention to this problem" as evidenced by the recent council
moratorium on the opening of more pain clinics, the first of several
now in effect across the metro area.

Taffaro, who initiated the moratorium and the task force, said he is
grateful for the legislative support.

"I really want to recognize Rep. Hutter for stepping in and taking
this to the state level," Taffaro said, noting that Rep. Kenneth
Odinet "has also expressed support of our endeavors."

Taffaro said Hutter's proposed law would establish a licensing
procedure and put such clinics under the oversight of the state
Department of Health and Hospitals.
- ---
MAP posted-by: Larry Seguin