05-12-16 – Opioid Coalition Meeting
The Industry Coalition on Prescription Drug Abuse met last week and discussed the following:
There is significant concern in Washoe Co that the 900+ customers of Dr. Rand (accused of being part of a prescription drug ring) will now be out on the street looking for replacement drugs. Pharmacies and veterinary hospitals have been warned to be on high alert about an anticipated increase in crime now that this source of a regular supply is off the market. Fred Olmstead (Board of Nursing counsel) indicated that they are getting the word out to APRNs and others who may have prescribing practice also. NSMA anticipates there will be an increase in ER visits.
The Board of Pharmacy said they are working with the specialty boards per SB459 to implement the “Red Flag” program. This allows physicians to put a red flag on a patient’s record so that other physicians will be alerted when they look up said patient. The law also requires law enforcement to be notified. According to the Pharmacy Board, they “don’t know what a ‘red flag’ looks like yet.”
- The Retail Association of Nevada is discussing investing money in a media campaign about Red Flag and may call on participants to talk about treatment options, feature law enforcement, etc.