Bill Would Expand State's Tracking of Prescription Drugs

Legislation introduced in Lansing would expand the state’s tracking of prescription drug use.

Currently pharmacies in Michigan are required to file reports on prescriptions they’re filling with the state’s prescription monitoring program, but doctors are exempt from having to report the drugs they’re prescribing.

Sponsor, state Senator Dale Zorn, says his bill would remove that exemption.

He says tracking prescription drug use should begin at the beginning of the trail, which is when doctors prescribe the drugs.

The measure would also remove exemptions for controlled substance samples and methadone treatment centers.

The goal is to help prevent prescription drug abuse.

The legislation is in a Senate committee.