Morning Briefing
Summaries of health policy coverage from major news organizations
Florida Pill Mill Bill Would Ease Opioid Restrictions
Some Florida lawmakers say the state’s pill mill crackdown has gone too far. Florida used to be known as a pill mill capital but the state cracked down on unscrupulous clinics, leaving legitimate patients to struggle with getting prescriptions filled. Sen. Aaron Bean, R-Jacksonville, has a bill that would lift some restrictions on drugs like oxycodone. He says the state's pill mill crackdown has been a success, but perhaps its been too successful. (Hatter, 10/21)
A Broward County lawmaker’s plans for a needle exchange program are gaining traction. The House Health Quality Subcommittee approved Representative Katie Edwards’ plan Tuesday for a pilot program at the University of Miami. By exchanging sterile needles for used ones, the program aims to slow the spread of blood-borne illnesses. Edwards says transmission prevention should be a matter of public health, and not only a matter of public safety. (Payne, 10/21)