On December 17th, 2010, Governor elect Rick Scott announced that the Florida Office of Drug Control would be eliminated effective January 2011. This agency is typically responsible for providing the governor and Florida legislature with guidance for drug policy making. It also serves to facilitate the cooperation between Florida Law Enforcement and executive state agencies on matters involving substance abuse and the illegal importation and sale of drugs. The elimination of this agency is premised on Scott's campaign promise to cut government spending
Florida's Office of Drug Control played a crucial role in securing $65 million dollars in federal grants to implement, maintain and operate Florida's new Prescription Drug Database. In 2009, the Florida legislature originally passed a law mandating that the database go live on December 1st, 2010.
However, corporate wrangling over which private company would design and service the program caused a delay which was projected to stall the program's start until the first quarter of 2011.
On December 23rd, 2010 the Orlando Sentinel conducted an interview with Florida Senator Mike Fasano. It was Fasano who sponsored the original Prescription Drug Monitoring bill. The senator praised the Office of Drug Control and its Director, Bruce Grant for their efforts in leading the drive to get the Prescription Data Base Bill passed.
Bruce Grant, the current Director of Florida's Office of Drug Control voiced his concern that the elimination of this government agency "will be significant." Fasano likewise questions what will now happen to the Prescription Database Program and Florida's battle against "Pill Mills" and prescription drug abuse. The Florida Department of Law Enforcement has released statistics to show that from 2003 to 2009, the number of deaths caused by prescription drug abuse increased more than 100%. That means today, about seven people per day in Florida die of prescription drug overdose. Fasano said "There is no group more dedicated to this one issue in saving lives than the Office of Drug Control."
With no one spear heading the Prescription Data Base program, it seems likely that there will be even further delays in its implementation. Speculation suggests that Rick Scott intends to have the Florida Department of Health and perhaps the Florida Department of Law Enforcement take over the reins. But there is also talk that the incoming Governor may be seeking increased assistance from the Federal Drug Enforcement Administration. Bruce Grant has been quoted as saying "Somebody's going to have to "pick up the ball" and frankly the Department of Health is not the aggressive type of agency to do it."
We anticipate that further delay in implementing the Prescription Drug Database will allow Florida’s prescription drug epidemic to continue to grow in size and magnitude. As it does, we expect that arrests for felony possession of controlled substance and trafficking in a controlled substance will continue to increase.
Arrested for a Drug Related Offense in Pinellas County? We Can Help!
We are experienced criminal defense attorneys who regularly handle drug and prescription medication cases in the St. Petersburg / Clearwater region. Many drug and prescription medication offenses have serious legal ramifications and are punishable as felonies. Because of this, those individuals charged with these kinds of offenses not only need a lawyer, but also need to know how to choose the right lawyer for their case. At Russo & Russo, our goal is to pursue rehabilitation and treatment as part of our strategy designed to avoid conviction and jail.
Call our office and we can discuss which Pinellas judge is assigned to your case. We can also provide you with information about the unique opportunities available through the Pinellas County Drug Court.
Contact our office for a free consultation at: (727) 578-0303
Visit our general criminal defense website at: www.defensehelp.com
Visit our Drunk Driving website at: www.duistpetersburglawyer.com
Links:
The St. Petersburg Times’ Article on Governor-Elect Scott’s Proposal
Prescription Drugs – An Open Invitation Into Pinellas County’s Criminal Justice System
Doctor Shopping Charges in Pinellas County
Orlando Sentinel Article Regarding the Office of Drug Control’s Elimination
Prescription Fraud Defense in St. Petersburg/Clearwater
Getting Your Felony or Misdemeanor Charge Dismissed
Drug Trafficking Defense Attorney in Pinellas
Drug Trafficking in Florida - A Crime You Thought You Understood
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