Pubdate: Thu, 28 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: Paul Bartels

SLIDELL SETS 6-MONTH BAN ON NEW PAIN CLINICS

Moratorium Also Blocks Sales Of Outlets

The Slidell City Council on Tuesday night unanimously approved a
six-month ban on permits for new pain management clinics and forbade
the transfer of ownership of clinics while the moratorium is in effect.

The ordinance, by council member Pearl Williams, was seconded by the
other eight council members. It comes after an emergency ban enacted
last month at the request of law enforcement officials and others
concerned about improperly prescribed painkillers.

During the 180 days, city officials will study the clinics and
consider possible regulations. The ordinance notes that the council
may extend the moratorium "as it deems necessary."

The three clinics already operating within the city limits won't be
affected by the ban, but the amendment is intended to make sure owners
cannot sell or otherwise transfer ownership until the moratorium is
lifted.

Williams said she learned in a recent discussion with Police Chief
Freddy Drennan that the owner of one of the clinics was planning to
sell the business.

Many municipalities and parishes throughout metro New Orleans,
including the unincorporated area of St. Tammany Parish, have adopted
temporary bans as the number of drug addictions and overdose deaths
has escalated.

Earlier this month, federal Drug Enforcement Administration agents
arrested registered nurse Cherlyn "Cookie" Armstrong, the
owner-operator of three pain clinics doing business as Scherer Medical
Center in Gretna, Metairie and just outside Slidell.

Three staff doctors who worked with Armstrong -- Suzette Cullins,
Betty De Loach and Joseph Guenther -- also were arrested. Four
pharmacies, including one in Slidell, were raided and shut down.

All those involved are accused of working together to prescribe and
dispense pain pills to virtually all comers. Federal and local
authorities and medical officials say the situation has contributed to
the increase in drug addictions and deaths in recent years.

Among the most commonly prescribed medications, according to
authorities, are Lorcet, Xanax and Soma. When taken together as a
"drug cocktail," they can produce a highly addictive, heroin-like
effect, authorities say.
- ---
MAP posted-by: Larry Seguin