ATLANTA (March 24, 2010) – The Senate voted today to pass the Patient Safety Act, which establishes a program that will create a database of controlled substances that are prescribed and dispensed in Georgia. Sen. Buddy Carter (R-Pooler) authored Senate Bill 418 to control and limit the abuse of prescription drugs.
“Prescription drug abuse is a national epidemic, but it is particularly prevalent in Georgia,” said Carter. “As a practicing pharmacist, I understand the problem of prescription drug abuse and feel that SB 418, the Patient Safety Act, will be a useful tool in fighting this problem.”
SB 418 establishes a database of information on controlled substance prescriptions dispensed in Georgia. It will be maintained by the State Board of Pharmacy. Information stored in the database will only be available to prescribers and dispensers while law enforcement will have to provide a subpoena in order to access the information. The legislation contains serious penalties for those who illegally access or misuse this information.
Sen. Buddy Carter represents the 1st Senate District. He represents Bryan County and portions of Chatham and Liberty counties. He may be reached at 404.656.5109 or via e-mail at bcarter331@aol.com.
PRESS RELEASE
For Immediate Release:
March 24, 2010
For Information Contact:
Raegan Weber, Director
Katie Wright, Communications Associate
katie.wright@senate.ga.gov
404.656.0028