Governor Nikki Haley Issues Executive Order to Create Prescription Drug Abuse Prevention Council

On Friday, March 14th, South Carolina Governor Nikki Haley issued Executive Order 2014-22, to create the Governor’s Prescription Drug Abuse Prevention Council, which will be tasked with combating the growing problem of prescription drug abuse in the state.

“Prescription drug abuse is a serious issue in this country and in South Carolina, affecting far too many of our citizens and their families,” said Gov. Haley. “Finding solutions for drug addiction of any kind is always complicated and takes a real team effort and I thank Inspector General Maley and our partners for their leadership and willingness to help combat this growing problem.”

Last year, a report from the South Carolina attorney general revealed that the state was 10th in the nation for rates of prescription drug abuse and painkiller addiction, but there was no plan in place to fight the growing problem. In contrast, states like Kentucky and Florida, which put plans in place to stem the rising tide of prescription drug abuse, reported a 20% drop in the epidemic once the plans had been enacted.

South Carolina has a statewide database that tracks painkiller prescriptions, but physical and pharmacy participation in the program is not mandatory. The report states that “only 22 percent of physicians are registered and much fewer actually use it for prescription decisions.” Additionally, the state’s “pain management guidelines” give physicians a great deal of leeway when prescribing pain killers or other drugs. The report states that the leniency of the guidelines allows “physicians broad discretion in their application, which in turn allows naïve and pill-mill doctors to unintentionally flourish.”

“For decades, DHEC’s Bureau of Drug Control has worked with other law enforcement officials to prevent the diversion of controlled substances from legal sources into the hands of criminals,” said Director Catherine Templeton.  “Governor Haley’s order takes an important step in continuing DHEC’s effort to link our communities, our front line medical professionals, and the law enforcement officials tasked with interrupting these crimes.”

“The epidemic of prescription drug abuse affects every community in our state,” said SLED Chief Mark Keel. “For those of us in law enforcement, having a coordinated approach through the council can provide a mechanism to help address the challenges of this growing problem.”

The Strom Law Firm Protects Against Prescription Drug Abuse Charges

Being arrested for prescription drug abuse is something that can be devastating financially and emotionally, and can have long-lasting personal and professional consequences. We understand what you are going through, and we are here to help.

Whether you are charged with:

• Prescribing or writing Illegal prescriptions,
• Doctor Shopping or attempting to obtain drugs by fraud or deceit,
• Illegally possessing prescription drugs,
• Selling prescription drugs, or
• Stealing or Forging Prescriptions for drugs,

Contact the prescription fraud attorneys at the Strom Law Firm, LLCtoday for a free consultation to discuss the facts of your case. We will investigate your case from every angle, determine whether an illegal search took place and seek to have your charges reduced or even dismissed.