Senator Mike Fasano Calls Upon Governor Scott to Ensure the Prescription Drug Monitoring Program is Fully Funded
CONTACT: Greg Giordano, 727-848-5885
SENATOR MIKE FASANO CALLS UPON GOVERNOR SCOTT TO ENSURE THE PRESCRIPTION DRUG MONITORING PROGRAM IS FULLY FUNDED
State Senator Mike Fasano has a letter to Governor Rick Scott asking for his immediate assistance in ensuring that funding for the Prescription Drug Monitoring Program, slated to expire in January, 2013, continues beyond that date.
“The PDMP is a tool that has proven to not only save lives and help identify those who abuse or otherwise misuse prescription drugs, it has helped clean-up Florida’s tarnished image as a haven for drug seekers,” Senator Fasano wrote in his letter. “Now, as the PDMP is truly getting its legs underneath itself, is not the time to allow the program to falter. Rather, we need to remain strong and united in our policy that Florida will not tolerate pill mills or those who run or frequent them.”
Senator Fasano has offered to do all that he can in his official capacity as a legislator to help the governor seek a solution to what could be a program ending crisis that would put Florida back many years in its fight against the misuse and diversion of prescription drugs.
The letter to Governor Scott follows:
September 24, 2012
The Honorable Governor Scott
Plaza Level The Capitol
400 South Monroe Street
Tallahassee, FL 32399-0001
Dear Governor Scott:
It is my understanding the Prescription Drug Monitoring Program (PDMP) also known as E-FORSCE, is facing a potential fiscal crisis. It is my understanding that if immediate action is not undertaken then the PDMP will run out of funds by January, 2013.
As you are well aware, because it was a provision you advocated strongly for, the PDMP is prohibited from using state funds or funds donated by pharmaceutical companies to fund the operation of the database. It is my understanding that Sheriff Al Lamberti of Broward County, who serves as the secretary for the PDMP Foundation, has secured support from the Florida Sheriffs Association to propose an amendment to statute that will allow the PDMP Foundation to accept donations from pharmaceutical companies.
While the sheriff’s idea is an excellent one, it is a potential long-term solution. I would like to explore this suggestion with you for consideration during the 2013 legislative session. Our more pressing need to is what will likely happen on or about January 1, 2013. To that end I respectfully request that in your capacity as governor that you take immediate steps to identify a funding source so that the PDMP can continue to operate into the new year. If you need legislative budget authority to transfer funds I will gladly make that request of the appropriate entities in the House and Senate.
I look forward to working with you to head off this potential crisis. The PDMP is a tool that has proven to not only save lives and help identify those who abuse or otherwise misuse prescription drugs, it has helped clean-up Florida’s tarnished image as a haven for drug seekers. Now, as the PDMP is truly getting its legs underneath itself, is not the time to allow the program to falter. Rather, we need to remain strong and united in our policy that Florida will not tolerate pill mills or those who run or frequent them.
Thank you in advance for your attention to this request. I and my staff stand ready and willing to work with you and your staff. If you have any questions or would like to discuss potential strategies to tackle this issue head-on please do not hesitate to call on me.
Yours truly,
Mike Fasano
State Senator, District 11
MF/gg
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