Prescription tracking system bill gains support in Nebraska

By Staff Writer

Many states are beginning to draft bills that will make it illegal to "doctor shop" for prescription medication. Meanwhile, others are proposing a drug tracking system to keep painkillers away from children and teens.

For example, a Nebraska bill is working to create a real-time state database of drug prescriptions is gaining traction among lawmakers, The Associated Press reports.

Officials told the news source that the database may help stop drug abusers who visit multiple doctors, pharmacies and dentists to obtain many prescriptions at one time.

"Without means to notify one another or track prescriptions, doctors and pharmacists are often unaware that a patient may be getting prescriptions from five, six or 10 doctors and filling the scripts at as many pharmacies," Gwen Howard, a state senator from Omaha, told the news source.

Unfortunately, prescription medication is often attractive to teens and young adults, who can quickly become addicted to the substance. However, many troubled teens programs offer prescription drug rehab for those who seek substance abuse help.

According to the 2009 National Survey on Drug Use and Health, nearly 31 percent of teens between ages 12 and 17 used prescription medication recreationally in 2008.