Скачать или смотреть Pain Pill Prescriptions Changing in Tennessee

Tennessee lawmakers believe repealing the Intractable Pain Treatment Act will cut down on the number of patients getting their hands on powerful pain pills.

The original law was put in place back in 2001, but many believe it is what has led to pill mills, and doctor shopping.

"Now, it will put the decision to go on pain management away from the patient. And put it back in the hands of the physician," said Pharmacist Phil Smith with Access Family Pharmacy.


Tennessee, and the country is experiencing a prescription drug epidemic.

And while many they believe repealing the law will cut down on prescription drug problems, other people believe more problems could come from it.

"Once you remove the avenue for people to get pain medications. They're going to start looking somewhere else. You're going to see an increase in street drugs, illegal drugs, like heroine," said Susan Kerr the executive director for Focus Treatment Centers.

She added that the majority of people seeking treatment at their facilities come because of an addiction to prescription pain medications.