Report: Florida Board of Pharmacy holds public hearing on patient access to pain meds

TAMPA, Fla. — Patient access to medically necessary pain medications and prescription drug abuse is a complex issue that has many pharmacists caught in the middle. In an effort to find a resolution, patients impacted by the debacle convened for a public hearing Tuesday to share their stories before the Florida Board of Pharmacy, according to a local news report.



The hearing marked the first time that patients got the chance to share their stories of frustration and humiliation when trying to fill legitimate prescriptions.

Doctors and pharmacists also addressed the Florida Board of Pharmacy Committee, according to WFTS-TV. Also in attendance was Kevin Nicholson, VP, public policy and regulatory affairs of the National Association of Chain Drug Stores, who spoke briefly at the hearing.



After hearing public comment, the committee began brainstorming for resolutions. According to the report, they include better communication between the pharmacists and physicians and a reevaluation of the red flag system.

Click here to view the full report on the "pharmacy crawl."