Reports: R.I. may set up prescription drug registry to combat abuse

NEW YORK — Officials in Rhode Island may set up a registry that would allow doctors and pharmacists to track patients who have problems with drug abuse, according to published reports.

The Associated Press reported that the proposed registry would track prescriptions for drugs that are controlled substance and allow healthcare professionals to track their usage, similar to a monitoring program set up in New York this year. A task force that includes state lawmakers, health officials and healthcare professionals met Monday to look at the idea.

The AP reported that more than 180 residents of the state died from drug overdoses last year, including from illegal drugs and legal prescription drugs.