Bush Signs Law Cracking Down on Online Pharmacies

Bush Signs Law Cracking Down on Online Pharmacies
October 14, 2008

News Summary

A new law intended to crack down on shady online prescriptions bans pharmacies from dispensing drugs unless a doctor has examined the patient in person before writing scrip.

The Wall Street Journal reported Oct. 9 that the measure signed into law by President George W. Bush is intended to make it easier to prosecute rogue online pharmacies that accept prescriptions for controlled drugs written by affiliated physicians who only consult with patients over the Internet or phone, if at all. Some shady pharmacies only require patients to fill out an online form to get drugs, and employ doctors to approve hundreds of prescriptions daily.

Legitimate online pharmacies, like those run by CVS and Walgreen, already require in-person exams to fill prescriptions.

"This is really making explicit what has been implicit," said Sen. Dianne Feinstein (D-Calif.), the bill's lead sponsor. "We've tried to close this loophole by essentially addressing this problem of controlled substances being sold without any medical oversight or prescription."

The measure won't have any impact on overseas pharmacies, however, and also does not apply to non-controlled drugs.

Relatively few patients get controlled drugs online, but those who do use Internet pharmacies often obtain large quantities of drugs, sometimes so they can resell them on the black market.

The legislation also requires online pharmacies to report their practices to the DEA, provide information on doctors and pharmacy locations, and calls for prison terms for illegally distributing controlled drugs.

COMMENTS ON THIS ARTICLE:

Posted by doug crossley on 15 Oct 08 08:09 AM EDT

This is another way for the government to stifle the free market. People should be permitted to put what they want in their own bodys. Granted they should consult a phsysian but they are NOT children remember.

Posted by Charles Hemingway on 15 Oct 08 08:38 AM EDT

Responds to Crossley: One's freedom of expression ends at the point of my nose or shouting fire in a crowded firehouse. One's right to do what they will with their bodies ends at my wallet and the heavy societal costs involved with abuse of this sort. This "you can do what you want" mentality died a hard death with the $700 billion bailout. Unfettered, the human animal falls prey to the basest instincts and government regulation is needed. Tragically, in many cases we ARE dealing with children (teens)who order pills over the internet and with addicts whose pre-frontal cortex has been affected by addiction so that they only operate from the deep limbic system, like teen-agers with biologically immature brains.

Posted by Trevor Moonbow on 15 Oct 08 11:00 AM EDT

Mr. Hemingway prefers Government control to freedom, unfettered Government control. I suggest he move, say, to China. Crossley’s right on the mark writing “People should be permitted to put what they want in their own bodies” Doctor misdiagnosed ailment in 1972, I nearly died, haven’t been to a doctor since, past thirty-six years, with internet assitance, have self diagnosed and prescribed own medications, all purchased in other lands, places where they cherish freedom! Land of the free indeed.

Posted by Pete on 15 Oct 08 03:57 PM EDT

While increased regulation seems to be in favor these days, I have very little faith in the effectiveness of intervention by the heavy hand of government. As Mr. Moonbow points out, there are quite a few well-informed consumers who can do just fine on their own. Many European and South American countries have pharmacies where one can simply walk in and purchase most any drug over-the-counter - no prescription needed. Are there corpses littering the streets as a result? - No. This legislation, interstingly sponsored by Feinstein and signed by Bush, seems to be aimed at making sure that the U.S. medical establishment doesn't suffer any potential threats to their income.

Posted by KneeDeep on 15 Oct 08 05:42 PM EDT

Perhaps Mr. Crossley should become familiar with Ryan Haight's (as in Ryan Haight Online Pharmacy Consumer Protection Act of 2008) story.

Posted by Bibi Persaud on 15 Oct 08 05:56 PM EDT

Rip Van Winkle is finally awake!!! Hello! Better late than never I guess

Posted by John on 20 Oct 08 04:55 PM EDT

So I guess herion and methamphetamine should be available online also? Or we should be free to kill ourselves in what ever matter we choose. Addiction is not a victinless crime-ask my family or my community!

Posted by Bill.Winter on 21 Oct 08 09:49 PM EDT

You make some good points Hemingway. However I hope this is not the final fix. Pharmaceutical giants (US) need to be better regulated so to stop their atrocious raping of the elderly and less fortunate who need medication but can not afford them due to the cost. Or they have to choose between medication and dinner etc. Perhaps smaller Pharmaceutical companies should be allowed into the market to bring down pricing to real value not over inflated costs and basically organized theft of innocent and truly in need persons.

Posted by Lynne Coats on 24 Oct 08 04:11 PM EDT

This type of legislation has been needed for some time. I laud the proponents of this bill. My 25 yr old daughter became addicted when she had a valid illness. She continued to go to lengths to obtain opiates to support her habit. The drugs affected her brain to where she was not in control anymore - not at all my daughter. Four months ago, she mixed the wrong drugs together and now she is gone. I will go to all lengths to support this and any other method to curtail this useless waste. She was young, beautiful, very smart and had a great life before her - until this. Most people who become addicted would not conduct their life in the manner that the drugs cause them to do.

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