New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg is launching a task force that will connect healthcare and law enforcement officials to combat the city's prescription drug problem, according to a Wall Street Journal report.
The city has experienced a 10-fold increase in the use of prescription opioids over the past 20 years, the report said. The number of opioid-related ER visits doubled from 2004-2009, and 25 percent of unintentional drug overdoses were attributed to opioids in 2009.
According to the Wall Street Journal, city officials determined 21 pharmacies account for a quarter of oxycodone Medicaid reimbursement. These findings could lead to criminal charges against the pharmacists and prescribing physicians. The task force's first recommendations are expected in January.
Related Articles on Prescription Drug Problem:
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The city has experienced a 10-fold increase in the use of prescription opioids over the past 20 years, the report said. The number of opioid-related ER visits doubled from 2004-2009, and 25 percent of unintentional drug overdoses were attributed to opioids in 2009.
According to the Wall Street Journal, city officials determined 21 pharmacies account for a quarter of oxycodone Medicaid reimbursement. These findings could lead to criminal charges against the pharmacists and prescribing physicians. The task force's first recommendations are expected in January.
Related Articles on Prescription Drug Problem:
North Carolina Hospitals Stop Prescribing, Refilling Pain Medicine in ER for Chronic Pain
CVS to Stop Filling Some Prescriptions for Painkillers in Florida
American Medical Association to Help Physicians Prevent Misuse and Abuse of Prescription Opioids