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The Prevention of Prescription Drug Abuse in the Workplace (PAW) TA Center addresses prescription drug abuse—a growing public health problem with increasing burdens on workers, workplaces, and our economy. To subscribe colleagues, family members, or friends to this listserv sponsored by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), please click here or send their e-mail addresses to paw@dsgonline.com.
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Webinar: Synthetic Drugs
National Drug Early Warning System Coordinating Center, University of Maryland
Wednesday, February 24, 2016, 2:00 p.m. (ET)
Jill Head, supervisory chemist with the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration’s Special Testing and Research Laboratory, will discuss the history of synthetic drugs, evolution of synthetic cannabinoids and cathinones, and new psychoactive substances with a focus on newer versions of fentanyl.
Register:
https://zoom.us/webinar/register/7e46b480fa1cdd74d746f627e8486654
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P. Krishnamurthy, G. Ranganathan, C. Williams, and G. Doulatram. 2016. “Impact of Urine Drug Screening on No Shows and Dropouts among Chronic Pain Patients: A Propensity-Matched Cohort Study.” Pain Physician 19(2):89–100.
Regressions examined drop rates among 723 Texas pain clinic patients who collectively completed 4,448 visits. Urine drug screening during the first visit was associated with increased risk of not showing up for the second visit (odds ratio = 2.73); no-show rates were 10.2 percent for those without urine screening versus 23.8 percent for those with urine screening. Among those tested, the no-show rate was higher for those who tested positive for illicit substances (34.6 percent) than for those who tested negative (21.7 percent). Risk of dropout doubled with every additional urine drug screening. These findings were replicated in propensity-score matched subsamples aimed at addressing potential non-random selection, as well as in within-subject analysis accounting for individual-level no-show propensity.
Read more:
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/26815253
Invisible Threat: On-the-Job Prescription Drug Abuse a Growing Concern in Indiana
Sarah Einselen, Pharos-Tribune
February 8, 2016
A survey by the Indiana Attorney General’s Prescription Drug Abuse Task Force has found that half of employers test for synthetic opioids during drug testing and more than 60 percent were not confident their staff could recognize the signs of employees’ prescription drug misuse. The task force reported that people dependent on narcotics are 10 times more likely to miss work and a third less productive. They are also responsible for 40 percent of all industrial fatalities. Some employers have not noticed prescription drug misuse interfering with their businesses. However, once people grow tolerant of the drugs, it is hard to tell if they are using anything. Healthy Companies, the occupational health clinic at Logansport Memorial Hospital in Logansport, Ind., serves more than 400 local companies. Positive results are rare among the 670 employees at the hospital. Managers are trained by the hospital’s employee assistance program to learn the signs and symptoms of prescription drug misuse.
Read more:
http://indianaeconomicdigest.com/Main.asp?SectionID=31&SubSectionID=135&ArticleID=82926
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Journal Articles and Reports
S.R. Bauer, L. Hitchner, H. Harrison, J. Gerstenberger, and S. Steiger. 2016. “Predictors of Higher Risk Chronic Opioid Prescriptions in an Academic Primary Care Setting.” Substance Abuse, doi:10.1080/08897077.2015.1129020.
Of 842 patients who received at least five opioid prescriptions for non-cancer pain between March 2012 and March 2013 from two California academic primary care clinics, 47 percent received prescriptions for 50 mg or more morphine equivalents per day. In multivariate regression, resident primary care providers were less likely to prescribe high doses than faculty providers (odds ratio [OR] = 0.66). Patients with a non-local home address were more likely to be prescribed higher doses (OR = 2.1). Hispanic, Asian, and older patients were less likely to be prescribed higher doses. Urine drug testing was used to monitor 35 percent of these long-term users. Odds of testing were higher for patients who were black, had resident primary care providers, lived locally, or were prescribed higher opioid doses.
Read more:
http://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.1080/08897077.2015.1129020
C. Facey, D. Brooks, and J.W Boland. 2016. “Assessment of the Appropriateness of Naloxone Administration to Patients Receiving Long-Term Opioid Therapy.” Hospital Practice, doi:10.1080/21548331.2016.1149016.
In 2012, 1,206 patients on long-term opioid therapy at a hospital in the United Kingdom were prescribed take-home naloxone, and the hospital administered naloxone to 32 patients. The authors reviewed medical charts of 16 of those administered naloxone (those who were not pediatric patients, not on methadone maintenance, overdosed unintentionally, and had opioid prescriptions). Medical charts did not state that 12 of the 16 had opioid-induced respiratory depression and 4 did not document respiratory rate and oxygen saturations. All naloxone doses administered were higher than the dose recommended by national guidelines for this patient group.
Read more:
http://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.1080/21548331.2016.1149016
A. Fenelon, L.H. Chen, and S.P. Baker. 2016. “Major Causes of Injury Death and the Life Expectancy Gap Between the United States and Other High-Income Countries.” JAMA 315(6):609–11, doi:10.1001/jama.2015.15564.
Life expectancy is 2.2 years shorter in the United States than in Japan and 11 comparable European countries. In 2012, all-cause, age-adjusted U.S. death rates per 100,000 population were 865 for men and 625 for women, well above the rates of 772 and 494 in comparison countries. Drug poisonings accounted for 14 percent of the life expectancy gap among men and 9 percent among women.
Read more:
http://jama.jamanetwork.com/article.aspx?articleid=2488300
N.A. Fingleton, M.C. Watson, E.M. Duncan, and C. Matheson. 2016. “Non-Prescription Medicine Misuse, Abuse and Dependence: A Cross-Sectional Survey of the UK General Population.” Journal of Public Health, doi:10.1093/pubmed/fdv204.
A postal survey of 1,000 individuals ages 18 and older randomly drawn from the U.K. Edited Electoral Register drew 434 responses. Lifetime prevalence of misuse of over-the-counter (OTC) drugs—primarily codeine-containing analgesics, sedative antihistamines, sleep aids, and smoking cessation products containing nicotine—was 19.3 percent, with 11.9 percent using a higher dose than recommended; 10.6 percent using more often than recommended; 10.6 percent using for a longer time than recommended; and 4.1 percent developing use disorders, including 2 percent who became dependent. Younger age, having a longstanding illness that requires regular OTC drug use, and ever having used illicit drugs or used prescription drugs to get high were predictive of misuse.
Read more:
https://jpubhealth.oxfordjournals.org/content/early/2016/01/19/pubmed.fdv204.full
K.B. Reisinger, P.C. Rutledge, and S.M. Conklin. 2016. “Study Drugs and Academic Integrity: The Role of Beliefs About an Academic Honor Code in the Prediction of Nonmedical Prescription Drug Use for Academic Enhancement.” Journal of College Student Development 57(1):65–78, doi:10.1353/csd.2016.0011.
In a 2012 e-mail survey with a 32.5 percent response rate, 19 percent of 645 undergraduates at a small, private liberal arts college in Pennsylvania reported using attention deficit hyperactivity disorder medication for academic enhancement: Academic use of nonmedical prescription drugs was higher among participants who had lower levels of belief that use violated the academic honor code and among students whose peers were users.
Read more:
http://muse.jhu.edu/login?auth=0&type=summary&url=/journals/
journal_of_college_student_development/v057/57.1.reisinger.html
M. Tjäderborn, A.K. Jönsson, T.Z. Sandström, J. Ahlner, and S. Hägg. 2016. “Non-Prescribed Use of Psychoactive Prescription Drugs Among Drug-Impaired Drivers in Sweden.” Drug and Alcohol Dependence, doi:10.1016/j.drugalcdep.2016.01.031.
Of the 2,225 drivers impaired by prescription drugs in Sweden during 2006–2009, 68 percent were using drugs not prescribed to them. Incidence and nonmedical use rates, respectively, were 103 and 76 percent for flunitrazepam, 1,098 and 74 percent for diazepam, 192 and 40 percent for tramadol, 60 and 30 percent for zopiclone, and 60 and 21 percent for zopiclone. Younger age and multiple substance use were associated with non-prescribed use.
Read more:
http://www.drugandalcoholdependence.com/article/S0376-8716(16)00078-8/abstract
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Opinion and Professional Development
B.D.L. Marshall, T.C. Green, J.L. Yedinak, and S.E. Hadland. 2016. “Harm Reduction for Young People Who Use Prescription Opioids Extra-Medically: Obstacles and Opportunities.” International Journal of Drug Policy, doi:10.1016/j.drugpo.2016.01.022.
This commentary describes harm reduction strategies for young people who misuse prescription opioids. It examines individual, social, and policy barriers to implementation of evidence-based approaches and highlights the need for expanded services and additional interventions to engage this diverse population. Strategies to mitigate polysubstance use are a priority. The authors recommend a combination of medical, social, and structural harm reduction interventions. They believe meaningful involvement of youth in harm reduction strategy implementation is crucial.
Read more:
http://www.ijdp.org/article/S0955-3959(16)00054-2/abstract
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National
Physician Gets 30-Year Sentence for Overdose Murders
Robert Lowes, Medscape
February 10, 2016
Hsiu Ying “Lisa” Tseng, M.D., has become the first U.S. physician convicted of murder for overprescribing drugs to a patient who overdosed. Dr. Tseng was found guilty of second-degree murder in the deaths of three California men, 19 counts of illegally prescribing a controlled substance, and one count of obtaining a controlled substance by fraud. In total, nine of her patients died within a 3-year period, and she took in more than $5 million. Tseng was sentenced to 30-years-to-life-in-prison.
Read more:
http://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/858782
White House Pushes Back Against Super Bowl Ad About Movantik
Gregory Korte, USA Today
February 8, 2016
The White House has criticized AstraZeneca and Daiichi Sankyo pharmaceutical companies for a Super Bowl ad that marketed the drug Movantik to treat opioid-induced constipation. The White House thinks the drug could help fuel the opioid addiction crisis.
Read more:
http://www.usatoday.com/story/news/politics/2016/02/08/white-house-pushes-back-against-super-bowl-ad-opioid-side-effect-drug/80016514/#
Senators Concerned About Possible Tie Between Hospital Pain Control Surveys, Overprescribing
Joe Lawlor, Portland Press Herald
February 10, 2016
Twenty-six U.S. senators have sent a letter to the secretary of the Department of Health and Human Services, questioning whether hospital patient satisfaction surveys about pain control should be tied to federal funding. The senators requested a “robust examination” of the survey, expressing concern that the current evaluation system may inappropriately penalize hospitals and pressure physicians who exercise sound medical judgment in limiting opioid pain relievers to certain patients and instead reward those who prescribe opioids more frequently.
Read more:
http://www.pressherald.com/2016/02/09/collins-cites-possible-tie-between-hospital-pain-control-surveys-overprescription-of-opioidsf
Providers Oppose CMS Proposal Targeting Prescription Drug Abuse by Part D Enrollees
Kameron L. Brackins, Baker & Hostetler LLP
February 11, 2016
The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services has solicited comments on whether providers should be required to consult their state’s prescription drug monitoring program (PDMP) to identify patients’ risk of nonmedical use of controlled substances. Commenters were concerned about the logistical burdens of a PDMP review requirement; inefficiencies that might arise in the patient discharge process, and the possibility of forcing a substantial investment to ensure the accuracy of patient history.
Read more:
http://www.lexology.com/library/detail.aspx?g=7e9e4fd8-9b3c-4738-aa61-3cb4a400d91c
Improvements to Prescription Drug Monitoring Programs Can Help Stop Overdose Deaths
Cynthia Riley, Pew Charitable Trusts
February 11, 2016
Prescription drug monitoring programs can help stop opioid misuse. They are effective in changing prescriber behavior and reducing the number of patients who visit multiple providers seeking the same or similar drugs. The author recommends that states explore implementing practices—such as unsolicited reporting, delegation, and electronic health record integration—which can make the monitoring programs more effective tools.
Read more:
http://www.pewtrusts.org/en/research-and-analysis/analysis/2016/02/11/improvements-to-prescription-drug-monitoring-programs-can-help-stop-overdose-deaths
Bill to Address Prescription Drug Abuse, Access Clears Senate Panel
Pharmacy Times
February 11, 2016
The U.S. Senate Judiciary Committee has approved the Ensuring Patient Access and Effective Drug Enforcement Act, which would direct the Department of Health and Human Services to coordinate with the Drug Enforcement Administration to report to Congress on patient obstacles to legitimate access to controlled substances and how collaboration between agencies and stakeholders can benefit patients and prevent diversion and misuse of prescription drugs.
Read more:
http://www.pharmacytimes.com/association-news/bill-to-address-prescription-drug-abuse-access-clears-senate-panel-
Parents Should Monitor Student Athletes Prescribed Opioids for Injuries
By Meredith Cohn, Baltimore Sun
February 10, 2016
Elizabeth Winter, M.D., recommends that parents monitor student athletes’ prescription medications. Dr. Winter urges parents to ask doctors to use other methods of pain relief, especially if their child may be using alcohol or other drugs. She answers questions, such as “How common is it for a young person to be prescribed opioids for pain?” And, “How the child or others in the household can come to misuse the drugs?”
Read more:
http://www.baltimoresun.com/health/blog/bs-hs-ask-the-expert-opioids-20160111-story.html
New Walgreens Programs to Help Curb Medication Misuse and Overdose Deaths
Walgreens
February 9, 2016
Walgreens will install medication disposal kiosks in more than 500 drugstores in 39 states and the District of Columbia. The nationwide drugstore chain will also make naloxone available without a prescription at pharmacies in 35 states and the District of Columbia.
Read more:
http://news.walgreens.com/press-releases/general-news/walgreens-leads-fight-against-prescription-drug-abuse-with-new-programs-to-help-curb-misuse-of-medications-and-the-rise-in-overdose-deaths.htm
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J.P. Caulkins and B. Kilmer. 2016. “Considering Marijuana Legalization Carefully: Insights for Other Jurisdictions from Analysis for Vermont.” Addiction, doi:10.1111/add.13289.
This paper analyzes the fiscal consequences of alternative approaches to marijuana legalization in Vermont. It distinguishes possible regimes along four dimensions: which organizations are allowed to produce and supply the drug, the regulations under which they operate, the nature of the products that can be distributed, and taxes and prices. Vermont’s decriminalization of marijuana already cut its costs of enforcing marijuana prohibition against adults to about $1 per resident per year. That is probably less than the cost of regulating a legal market. Revenues from taxing residents’ purchases after legalization could be many times that amount, so the main fiscal cost of prohibition after decriminalization relative to outright legalization may be foregone tax revenues, not enforcement costs. Since 40 times as many potential users live within 200 miles of Vermont’s borders as live within the state; drug tourism and associated tax revenues will be important considerations, as will the response of other states. If another state legalized with lower taxes, that could undermine Vermont tax collections even on purchases by its residents.
Read more:
http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/add.13289/abstract
N.I. Manasseh and N. Ndem. 2015. “Exploring the Performance of Mason Workers in the Construction Industry: New Evidence from the Use of Cannabis at Work Site in a Field Experiment.” Social Sciences and Psychology 1(1), SSPOA-1-001.
This study randomized 80 masons from Uyo, Nigeria. At the start of the work shift, the researchers fed all participants breakfast and participants in the experiment group smoked a joint containing 1.2 percent tetrahydrocannabinol. Over the next 4 hours, the cannabis smokers completed 22 percent more blocks of quality masonry than the control group.
Read more:
http://crescopublications.org/pdf/SSPOA/SSPOA-1-001.pdf
Small Businesses Face New Challenges with the Rise of Medical Marijuana
Suzanne Baker, Naperville Sun
February 5, 2016
As the number of certified medical marijuana patients rises in Illinois, businesses should think about how they will address issues of medical marijuana in the workplace. Experts recommend establishing a formal drug policy related to medical marijuana. The U.S. Department of Labor website provides a step-by-step guide for building a customized, drug-free workplace policy. Business owners must be careful not to discriminate against employees because such actions could put an employer at risk. Businesses enacting drug testing as part of company policy should administer tests to all employees. If small business owners cannot afford drug testing for all employees, the next option is to review job performance. An employee does not have to disclose any medical condition, unless factors exist that would affect job performance. Any declines in performance should be documented with dates and as much detail as possible.
Read more:
http://www.chicagotribune.com/suburbs/naperville-sun/news/ct-nvs-naperville-marijuana-small-business-st-0205-20160205-story.html
Medical Marijuana Need Not Be Accommodated by New Mexico Employers
Little V. West, Holland & Hart LLP
February 11, 2016
A federal court in New Mexico has ruled that an employee terminated for testing positive for marijuana did not have a cause of action against his employer for failure to accommodate his use of medical marijuana. The plaintiff, Rojerio Garcia, interviewed for a management position at Tractor Supply store. He explained that he used medical marijuana under the state’s medical cannabis program as a treatment for HIV/AIDS. Tractor Supply hired Garcia, sent him for a drug test, and he tested positive for cannabis metabolites. He was terminated from employment. Garcia filed a complaint with the New Mexico Human Rights Division, alleging unlawful discrimination based on Tractor Supply’s failure to accommodate his legal use of marijuana to treat his serious medical condition under New Mexico law. The author recommends that employers (1) assure that their drug policies apply to all controlled substances, (2) clearly state that a positive drug test may result in termination of employment, regardless of whether the employee uses medical marijuana during working hours or appears to be “under the influence” at work, (3) communicate drug-free workplace and testing policies to employees, and (4) train supervisors and managers on enforcing the policies in a consistent and uniform manner.
Read more:
http://www.natlawreview.com/article/medical-marijuana-need-not-be-accommodated-new-mexico-employers
Legal Pot Won’t Affect Workplace Drug Testing in Canada, Expert Says
Alex MacPherson, Saskatoon StarPhoenix
February 10, 2016
Keir Vallance, who practiced labor and employment law before joining the University of Saskatchewan’s College of Law, expects legal marijuana in Canada to be regulated the same way as alcohol. Employers will retain “relatively broad” powers to make drug testing a condition of employment. Employers may struggle to prove impairment for marijuana because it stays in someone’s system for days or weeks after using. Dale Ledoux, who owns a Saskatoon workplace safety services company, does not expect major changes since he believes it will not affect any of the current testing procedures.
Read more:
http://thestarphoenix.com/business/local-business/legal-pot-wont-affect-workplace-drug-testing-expert-says
First 6 Months of Minnesota’s Medical Marijuana Program Bring Wonders, Worries
Jennifer Brooks, Star Tribune
February 7, 2016
The first 6 months of Minnesota’s medical marijuana program has had some successes and challenges. It reduced 3-year-old Wyatt Hauser’s seizures from hundreds to just 80 per day. Some chemotherapy and AIDS patients regained their appetites, and hospice patients found ease in their final days. One issue was that a month’s supply of cannabis cost from $200 to well over $1,000. Some patients skipped doses to save money, while others were forced to drop out of the program. Physicians also worried about referring patients to a drug that is still illegal at the federal level and has not gone through years of clinical trials in the United States. (Includes video: 4:56 minutes)
Read more:
http://www.startribune.com/first-six-months-of-minnesota-s-medical-marijuana-program-bring-wonders-worries/367987011
Mormon Church Comes Out Against Utah Medical Marijuana Bill
Associated Press, Denver Post
February 6, 2016
The Mormon Church has come out in opposition to a bill in Utah’s senate that would allow medical use of edible marijuana products. The church’s leaders are worried about the unintended consequences of the measure. The church does not oppose another medical marijuana bill that would allow access to marijuana-infused oil. The church lobbyists declined to explain their reasoning. Both medical marijuana bills have received committee approval and are expected to be debated before the full senate.
Read more:
http://www.denverpost.com/ci_29486187/mormon-church-comes-out-against-utah-medical-marijuana
Cannabix Technologies Launches New Corporate Video—Marijuana Breathalyzer
Market Wired
February 5, 2016
Cannabix Technologies, Inc., has launched a corporate video that outlines its focus on developing a marijuana breathalyzer for law enforcement and the workplace. The video can be viewed on the company’s website.
Read more:
http://www.marketwired.com/press-release/cannabix-technologies-launches-new-corporate-video-marijuana-breathalyzer-cnsx-blo-2094485.htm
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International
Canada’s Health Minister to Tell British Columbia Hospitals to Tighten Control on Drugs
Pamela Fayerman, Vancouver Sun
February 11, 2016
Canada’s health minister is calling for hospitals in British Columbia to adopt rigorous policies and procedures to prevent theft and misuse. The call comes after Kerri O’Keefe, who worked for about 15 years in Vancouver General Hospital’s emergency department, died last summer after injecting a stolen hospital anesthesia drug, rocuronium. She had a habit of stealing used labeled and unlabeled syringes. Officials are working on installing security cameras in hospitals, more locked and automated drug dispensing machines, and different biohazard waste bins. Nurses and doctors will be expected to squirt leftover medications into a slush pail that mixes all drug residues.
Read more:
http://www.vancouversun.com/mobile/news/top-stories/health+
minister+tell+hospitals+tighten+control+drugs/11711431/story.html
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Northeast/Mid-Atlantic News
Massachusetts Dental Schools to Introduce Training on Opioid Abuse
Matt Murphy, State House News Service
February 11, 2016
Dental schools at Harvard, Tufts, and Boston universities have agreed to introduce training for opioid misuse prevention and management into their core curriculums. The agreement will impact 1,800 undergraduates and 550 graduate students.
Read more:
http://commonhealth.wbur.org/2016/02/dental-schools-opioid
U. Mass. Graduate School of Nursing Adopts Opioid Conscious Curriculum
Lisa M. Larson, University of Massachusetts Medical School
February 9, 2016
The University of Massachusetts Medical School plans to expand its new opioid-conscious curriculum to the graduate school of nursing. It will be the first in Massachusetts to ensure both its medical and nursing professionals are trained to reduce the dangers associated with opioid therapy.
Read more:
http://www.umassmed.edu/news/news-archives/2016/02/umms-graduate-school-of-nursing-adopts-adds-opioid-conscious-curriculum
Massachusetts College Wrestles With Fallout from Opioid Epidemic
Michael Gagne, Herald News
February 9, 2016
The University of Massachusetts Dartmouth is reminding people that college students are vulnerable to opioid misuse and addiction after one student died from an opioid overdose. In a second incident less than 48 hours later, campus police were alerted by a student who concerned about a friend on campus. When the police arrived, they were able to administer naloxone to save the student’s life. The university held small group meetings in residence halls to discuss substance misuse. Parents of students received letters about the incidents, as well as the resources available to students.
Read more:
http://www.heraldnews.com/news/20160209/colleges-having-to-wrestle-with-fallout-from-opioid-epidemic/?Start=1
Massachusetts Bill Would Let Addicts Turn in Drugs Without Fear of Prosecution
Katie Lannan, WBUR
February 8, 2016
Ann-Margaret Ferrante, a Massachusetts state representative, has introduced a bill that would allow addicts who seek recovery to turn in unwanted heroin and other drugs without the threat of prosecution. The bill states that a person “who, in good faith, enters a police station and seeks assistance or treatment for a drug-related addiction, or is the subject of a good faith request for such assistance or treatment, shall not be charged or prosecuted for possession of a controlled substance” or drug paraphernalia, if the evidence for such a charge was gained as a result of seeking treatment. The bill was referred to a legislative committee for consideration.
Read more:
http://www.wbur.org/2016/02/08/police-addicts-seek-help-gloucester-bill
Vermont Pharmacist Tech Accused of Prescription Fraud, Embezzlement
Joe Gullo, Nexstar Broadcasting
February 11, 2016
Holly Russin, a pharmacist technician at Rite Aid Pharmacy, is accused of prescription fraud and embezzlement. The Vermont woman stole 600 tablets of Tramadol, Hydrocodone, and Diazepam over the course of 3 months.
Read more:
http://www.mychamplainvalley.com/news/pharmacist-tech-accused-of-prescription-fraud-embezzlement
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South News
Georgia Hospital CEO, Five Others Arrested in Prescription Drug Sting
Associated Press, WSB-TV
February 5, 2016
Mike Gower, CEO of Blairsville’s Union General Hospital in Georgia, and five others (including a physician and members of Gower's family) have been arrested for fraudulent prescription pain relievers. One doctor wrote more than 15,000 fraudulent prescriptions for Gower over a 3-year period. Gower faces two counts of fraudulently obtaining a controlled substance and one count of conspiracy to distribute a controlled substance.
Read more:
http://www.wsbtv.com/ap/ap/georgia/hospital-ceo-5-others-arrested-in-prescription-dru/nqKNj
Two Florida Pharmacies, Four Doctors to Pay $10 Million Settlement
News4Jax
February 11, 2016
Two pharmacies and four physicians in Jacksonville, Fla., have agreed to pay the federal government almost $10 million to resolve allegations involving the military’s healthcare program, TRICARE. The government contends that compounding pharmacy Topical Specialists was created by the pharmacist for WELLHealth and four physicians. It was meant to be a standalone pharmacy but was unable to obtain separate contracts with the government healthcare programs. Instead, Topical Specialists sent all of its prescriptions to WELLHealth which, in turn, submitted the prescriptions to the federal government. These four physicians wrote hundreds of prescriptions for pain and scar creams. Records showed that the pharmacy was making up to 90 percent profit for each cream submitted to the TRICARE program. The profit was then disbursed to the doctors who wrote the prescriptions.
Read more:
http://www.news4jax.com/news/local/jacksonville/2-pharmacies-4-doctors-to-pay-10m-settlement
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Midwest News
10 Members of Drug Ring in Indiana Arrested, Tied to HIV Spread
Ed Cara, Medical Daily
February 7, 2016
A U.S. Attorney’s Office in Indiana has arrested 10 people who are accused of fueling a rise in HIV cases in Scott County last year. The individuals distributed drugs, primarily prescription pain relievers and methamphetamine, in the county. The pills were ground up and taken intravenously. The sharing of HIV-infected needles likely spurned an outbreak. The health department recorded 188 new cases of HIV over a 13-month period.
Read more:
http://www.medicaldaily.com/hiv-outbreak-indiana-prescription-painkillers-372554
Tribe in Minnesota Intent on Tackling Drug ‘Epidemic’
Mesabi Daily News
February 8, 2016
The Bois Forte Reservation in Minnesota is plagued by prescription drugs, heroin, and methamphetamines. The tribe needs treatment, rehabilitation, traditional healing methods, mental health care, law enforcement, and judicial sentencing to address these issues. Tribal leaders met with officials from the U.S. Department of the Interior and Minnesota’s governor to identify systems and funding sources to fight the problem. The tribal chairman urged the U.S. Attorney’s Office to prosecute as federal offenses drug crimes within Bois Forte tribal lands. The Bois Forte Tribal Council recently passed one of the nation’s toughest laws against the distribution and use of illegal drugs.
Read more:
>http://www.virginiamn.com/news/local/tribe-intent-on-tackling-drug-epidemic/article_d55de4d4-cecb-11e5-a638-8b25c567365d.html
West Central Ohio Safety Council Addresses Drugs in the Workplace
Danae King, Lima News
February 9, 2016
The West Central Ohio Safety Council recently hosted a meeting to share information about the increased rate of positive drug tests in the workplace, current drug trends and their impact on the workplace, legalized marijuana, and prescription drug misuse. The meeting also included information about We Care at Work, a program to “grow a drug-free workforce.” The program pays for new policy development and guides employers through crafting a policy. Then, the company can offer applicants who failed the test the opportunity to get help and then another chance at the job.
Read more:
http://limaohio.com/news/165437/safety-council-addresses-drugs-in-the-workplace
Narcan Bill Passes; Prescription Drug Monitoring Bill Stalls
Jon Swedien, Springfield News-Leader
February 11, 2016
Missouri’s house of representatives has approved a bill that would make it easier for the public to buy naloxone. That bill now heads to the senate for consideration. A related bill to establish a prescription drug monitoring program in the state has stalled in committee because of privacy concerns. A possible adjustment to the bill would trim the list of drugs monitored.
Read more:
http://www.news-leader.com/story/news/politics/2016/02/11/narcan-bill-passes-prescription-drug-monitoring-bill-stalls/80242350/?from=global&sessionKey=&autologin=
Indiana Attorney General Wants State to Be First for Funding to Fight Heroin, Other Drugs
Maureen Groppe, Indianapolis Star
February 11, 2016
Indiana’s attorney general recently met with the director of the White House Office of National Drug Control Policy to discuss Indiana’s needs for drug treatment funding. Indiana’s chief law enforcement officer wants the state to be first to receive federal funding.
Read more:
http://www.indystar.com/story/news/politics/behind-closed-doors/2016/02/11/zoeller-wants-indiana-first-line-drug-treatment-funding/80256750
Milwaukee Getting Federal Support to Deal with Drug Abuse
Chuck Quirmbach, Wisconsin Public Radio
February 11, 2016
The U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) is partnering with Wisconsin to address heroin and prescription drug misuse in Milwaukee. The partnership will be part of the DEA’s 360-degree strategy that increases enforcement actions against dealers of illegal drugs.
Read more:
http://www.wpr.org/milwaukee-getting-federal-support-deal-drug-abuse
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West News
Colorado Drug-Related Deaths Increasing at ‘Epidemic’ Proportions
Brendaliss Gonzalez, Denver7
February 6, 2016
The number of drug-related deaths in Colorado has nearly doubled from 2002 to 2014, with every county except one experiencing an increase. Twelve counties, including Denver, had overdose rates exceeding 20 per 100,000 residents—among the highest in the nation. (Includes video: 2:03 minutes)
Read more:
http://www.thedenverchannel.com/news/local-news/colorado-drug-related-deaths-increasing-at-epidemic-proportions
Former Las Cruces (N.M.) Doctor Pleads Guilty to Federal Charges
Las Cruces Sun-News
February 11, 2016
Former physician Pawankumar Jain has pled guilty in federal court in Las Cruces, N.M., for illegally dispensing prescription pain relievers and defrauding Medicare, resulting in a death. He admitted to two counts as part of a plea deal that will result in dismissal of 136 other criminal charges in a grand jury indictment. Charges dismissed include allegations that dispensing of medication led to the deaths of three other people. Jain could have faced up to 30 years in prison, but the plea deal specifies he will face between 3.5 years and 9 years in prison, and a term of supervised release determined by the court.
Read more:
http://www.lcsun-news.com/story/news/local/2016/02/11/former-las-cruces-doctor-pleads-guilty-federal-charges/80262010
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Webinars
Marijuana Legalization: Trends & Hot Topics
OraSure Technologies
Thursday, February 25, 2016
2:00 p.m. (ET)
https://ohsonline.com/webcasts/2015/12/marijuana-legalization-trends-hot-topics.aspx?admgarea=Webinar&tc=page0
Weed in Your Workplace: What You Need to Know
National Safety Council
Wednesday, April 20, 2016
2:00 p.m. (ET)
http://eventcallregistration.com/reg/index.jsp?cid=59487t11
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Grant Announcements
Increasing Access to Medication-Assisted Treatment in Rural Primary Care Practices (R18)
Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality
Due: March 4, 2016
http://grants.nih.gov/grants/guide/rfa-files/RFA-HS-16-001.html
Drug-Free Communities Support Program (SP-16-001)
SAMHSA
Due: March 18, 2016
http://www.samhsa.gov/sites/default/files/grants/pdf/sp-15-001_0.pdf
National Institute on Drug Abuse Challenge: Addiction Research: There’s an App for that
National Institute on Drug Abuse
Submission Period begins November 3, 2015, 9:00 a.m. (ET)
Submission Period ends April 29, 2016, 11:59 p.m. (ET)
http://nida.ideascale.com/a/pages/addiction-research-theres-an-app-for-that
Bottle Tracking Program
National Association of Drug Diversion Investigators
Due: None Specified
http://www.naddi.org/aws/NADDI/pt/sp/programs_grants
http://naddibottletracking.org/law-enforcement
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National Take-Back Initiative
National Prescription Drug Take-Back Day
Drug Enforcement Administration
Saturday, April 30, 2016
10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. (ET)
The National Prescription Drug Take-Back Day aims to provide a safe, convenient, and responsible means of disposing of prescription drugs, while also educating the general public about the potential for abuse of medications.
Read more:
http://www.deadiversion.usdoj.gov/drug_disposal/takeback
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Take-Back Events & Drop Boxes
Bernards (N.J.) Police Department and Alliance to Hold Medication Drop-Off Drive Thru
Messenger-Gazette
February 09, 2016
http://www.nj.com/messenger-gazette/index.ssf/2016/02/bernards_township_municipal_alliance_and_
police_dept_hold_medication_drop_off_drive_thru_on_march_19.html
Montague (Mass.) Police Department Collects 110 lbs of Unwanted Medications
George Graham, Mass Live
February 9, 2016
http://www.masslive.com/news/index.ssf/2016/02/montague_police_department_col.html
Louisiana State Police Partners With Blue Cross for Safe Prescriptions Disposal KNOE
February 10, 2016
http://www.knoe.com/home/headlines/LSP-partners-with-Blue-Cross-for-safe-disposal-of-prescription-medication-368328841.html
Riverside (Ill.) Police to Take Back Unwanted Prescription Drugs
Morgan Searles, LaGrange Patch
February 8, 2016
http://patch.com/illinois/lagrange/riverside-police-take-back-unwanted-prescription-drugs
Atlantic (Iowa) Police Department Partners with State Drug Control Office to Expand Medication Drop-Off Locations
Tom Robinson, KSOM
February 11, 2016
http://965ksom.com/atlantic-police-department-partners-with-state-drug-control-office-to-expand-medication-drop-off-locations
Osseo (Minn.) Police Now Accepting Unwanted, Unused Prescription Medications
Jennie Lissarrague, KSTP
February 5, 2016
http://kstp.com/medical/osseo-police-unwanted-unused-prescription-medications/4039615/?cat=12196
Galloway (N.J.) Police Department Acquires Prescription Drop Box
Madelaine Vital, Shore News Today
February 5, 2016
http://www.shorenewstoday.com/galloway_township/galloway-police-department-acquires-prescription-drop-box/article_05a2024a-cc49-11e5-862b-83cf2df94e74.html
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Upcoming Conferences and Workshops
Ensuring Access to Pain Care: Engaging Pain Medicine and Primary Care Teams
American Academy of Pain Medicine
February 18–21, 2016
Palm Springs, California
http://www.painmed.org/annualmeeting
Pharmacy Diversion Awareness Conference
U.S. Drug and Enforcement Administration
February 27–28, 2016
Charleston, West Virginia
http://www.deadiversion.usdoj.gov/mtgs/pharm_awareness
Ohio Workers’ Compensation Medical & Health Symposium
Bureau of Workers’ Compensation
March 10–11, 2016
Columbus, Ohio
https://www.bwc.ohio.gov/provider/brochureware/PainSymposium/default.asp
Marijuana and Cannabinoids: A Neuroscience Research Summit
National Institute on Drug Abuse, National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health, National Institute of Mental Health, National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke
March 22–23, 2016
Bethesda, Maryland
http://apps1.seiservices.com/nih/mj/2016
Register:
http://apps1.seiservices.com/nih/mj/2016/Registration.aspx
2016 National Rx Drug & Heroin Summit
March 28–31, 2016
Atlanta, Georgia
http://apps1.seiservices.com/nih/mj/2016/Registration.aspxx
Third Annual Smart Approaches to Marijuana Education Summit
March 31, 2016
Atlanta, Georgia
http://nationalrxdrugabusesummit.org/sam-summit-2
Register:
https://www.123contactform.com/form-1486587/2016-National-Rx-Drug-Abuse-Summit
Medical Marijuana Seminar
Private Motor Truck Council of Canada
May 3, 2016
Alberta, Canada
Read more:
http://www.todaystrucking.com/alberta-hosting-spring-talk-on-medical-marijuana-in-trucking
http://www.pmtc.ca/News.asp?a=view&id=113
2016 Annual Conference
International Health Facility Diversion Association
September 13–14, 2016
Duke Energy Convention Center
Cincinnati, Ohio
https://ihfda.org/2016-annual-conference
Register:
https://www.regonline.com/Register/Checkin.aspx?EventID=1803476
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The Weekly Update is a service provided by the SAMHSA Preventing Prescription Abuse in the Workplace Technical Assistance Center (PAW) to keep the field abreast of recent news and journal articles to assist in forming policy, research, and programs to reduce prescription drug misuse or abuse. Please note, the materials listed are not reflective of SAMHSA's or PAW's viewpoint or opinion and are not assessed for validity, reliability or quality. The Weekly Update should not be considered an endorsement of the findings. Readers are cautioned not to act on the results of single studies, but rather to seek bodies of evidence. Copyright considerations prevent PAW from providing full text of journal articles listed in the Weekly Update. |
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