In today's Austin American Statesman:
As prescription drug abuse increases, Texas is readying a new weapon to catch patients who "doctor shop" for multiple prescriptions and physicians who prescribe too many painkillers.
The Texas Department of Public Safety has been collecting prescription histories of Texans for years, but by this summer the data are expected to be online so doctors, pharmacists and law enforcement officials can more quickly identify the patients abusing pain medications and the medical establishments profiting from the drug trade.
The Legislature last year made "doctor shopping" a felony in most cases and has tried to curb so-called pill mills that supply popular painkillers. Next year, the Legislature will consider whether to make it mandatory for doctors and pharmacists to check the state database before writing or filling a prescription....
"Prescription drug abuse is an epidemic in our state and the nation," said Sen. Tommy Williams, R-The Woodlands, who has authored several laws addressing the issue.
He said last year were 188 overdose deaths attributed to prescription drugs in Harris County alone. He said the problem with pill mills in Texas spiked after Louisiana cracked down.
"They've run a lot of this business into Texas," Williams said.
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