Texas Prepared to Combat "Doctor Shopping" with Release of Database

Many people are unfamiliar with the term "doctor shopping". However, the term is gaining more popularity as incidences of prescription drug abuse increase throughout the country. Prescription drug abuse, or doctor shopping, occurs when a person sees multiple physicians to obtain prescriptions for medications such as OxyContin. It also occurs when a physician prescribes too many painkiller drugs to a patient for profit. Due to the increase in doctor shopping, the state of Texas has decided to implement new legal measures.

For years, the Texas Department of Public Safety has been compiling prescription histories of people throughout state. This summer, the Department is expected to release their data to medical professionals so pharmacists, physicians, and police are aware of people who are known to abuse painkillers. This database will also help authorities identify medical professionals who profit from issuing painkiller prescriptions. If people are caught doctor shopping, they will automatically face felony charges. A representative with the Texas Department of Public Safety said that prescription drug abuse is a huge problem in the state as there are 8.6 deaths per 100,000 Texans stemming from painkiller overdoses. If you are facing drug crime charges for possessing or selling prescription drugs, now is the time to contact the Zendeh Del Law Firm to get a Plano drug crime lawyer involved in your case.