Politics & Government

Board Silent on Criticism of How it Handles Prescription Drug Abuse

Members of state panel refuse to discuss policy described as ineffective and inefficient in investigative report.

By Andrew Kitchenman (Courtesy of NJ Spotlight) 

The State Board of Medical Examiners drew fire in a recent state investigative report for its handling of doctors involved in prescription drug abuse, but board members won’t talk about the issue in public.

Members did not discuss the issue when the board met Wednesday, even though state Division of Consumer Affairs Director Eric T. Kanefsky was there to talk about the report and its follow-up.

And several board members wouldn’t answer a reporter’s questions about how they will respond to the prescription drug abuse problem, with some citing a board prohibition on any policy discussions outside of meetings.

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Many regulators and law-enforcement officials said the board’s actions have been “weak and infrequent,” according to a July report by the State Commission on Investigation.

Kanefsky told the board on Wednesday that the public wants them to take action against those who abuse their authority to prescribe drugs.

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Kanefsky said he asked to speak to the board “because New Jersey’s prescriber community plays a very important role in the fight against prescription drug diversion and abuse,” Buccino said. “He did believe it was important for the board to hear directly from him on the matter.”

Read more at NJSpotlight.com

NJ Spotlight is an issue-driven news website that provides critical insight to New Jersey’s communities and businesses. It is non-partisan, independent, policy-centered and community-minded.


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