By CALEY BROCK
Up until late last week, Florida was in debate over a system already working successfully in 42 other states. Finally surrendering to Florida voters, Gov. Rick Scott reluctantly stated his support for the pill tracking database on Thursday, April 21.
The program is designed to stop “pill mill” users and dealers fueling the growing drug addiction problem in Florida. With 98 practitioners in Florida prescribing 126 million oxycodone pills last year alone, the issue is apparent. The database will keep track of those who buy drugs, not allowing them to buy more within a certain amount of time.
Originally, Scott made his disapproval clear by claiming the system is an invasion of privacy, but after pressure from voters and politicians of both parties, Scott is consenting to the plan.
The finances are already in place to execute the program, with at least the first year being funded by $1.3 million of federal grants and private donations.
The viable program is a step in the right direction to hopefully stunt the fastest growing number of Schedule II narcotic users and abusers according to towerforum.org: those between the ages of 14 and 22, high school age individuals.
With Scott’s seal of approval, the policy will be implemented this spring.