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(Health-NewsWire.Net, July 28, 2015 ) Newark, NJ -- This past Monday Governor Chris Christie signed a bill which will expand the scope and strictness of the state's prescription management program. This bill comes in a series of bills which have been designed to combat the state's heroin and opioid crisis.
The bill will require by law that all pharmacists and physicians register for access to the state's prescription monitoring program, which will be used to track patients who abuse prescription drugs by "doctor shopping", going to various doctors to obtain drugs. The law will also require both physicians and pharmacists to check the prescription monitoring program when patients return for a second refill on medication.
"When you get a second refill for a schedule two drug, you're already required to come in for an in-person doctor's visit. We just wanted to align the (Prescription Monitoring Program) with that practice," says Senator Joseph Vitale, according to NJ.com.
New Jersey is one of the 49 states which has a prescription monitoring program, however New Jersey is one of 27 states where checking the PMP is not mandatory for doctors every time they issue a prescription for a drug which has a risk for abuse, this comes as a frequent criticism for the program.
Although the bill has potential to help with prescription drug abuse, it did not address the state's current heroin crisis. Prescription opioid drugs have been suggested as a gateway drug to heroin. The use of heroin has rapidly grew despite tightened restrictions on prescription drugs.
According to a 2014 CDC study, New Jersey ranks 45th in the nation in terms of opioid prescriptions written per person, in addition the state's heroin overdose death rates are more than triple the national average.
A medical associate from Drug Rehab Newark comments "I have to applaud Governor Christie in all that he has done to help fight against the drug abuse and addiction epidemic we've been faced with over the years. I am a firm believer that this new bill will definitely result in a significant decrease in rates of prescription drug abuse. I am excited to see the results of this new bill. It's quite disheartening to know there's so many New Jersey residents abusing prescription drugs, the enforcement of the use of the prescription monitoring system will definitely help stop doctor shopping."
Drug Rehab Newark is a comprehensive heroin rehab in Newark, NJ which specializes in providing addiction and recovery services which combat against substance abuse and addiction. Drug Rehab Newark takes pride in their commitment to providing its patients with effective treatment and the utmost care and support.
To learn more about the addiction and recovery services offered at Drug Rehab Newark, visit their website at http://www.drugrehabnewark.org/ or call the center directly at (973) 947-8129.
About Drug Rehab Newark:
Drug Rehab Newark is a leading addiction treatment center in Newark, NJ which is wholeheartedly committed to helping recovering addicts achieve a complete and lomg lasting recovery from addiction.
Drug Rehab Newark
Drug Rehab Newark Drug Rehab Newark
(973) 947-8129
info@drugrehabnewark.org
Source: EmailWire.Com 
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