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Board addresses concerns of doctors, patients

August 07, 2012

The Kentucky Board of Medical Licensure has been on the front line in the fight against prescription drug abuse. Overseeing the licenses of more than 15,000 physicians, we are a key participant in protecting the independence and individual judgments of doctors, while also working to enforce regulations designed to keep doctors and patients safe.

We initiated disciplinary proceedings against those physicians who willfully overprescribe controlled substances. We developed advisory opinions on prescribing for chronic pain and partnered with the state to lead educational presentations. However, the state needed a more comprehensive plan to squeeze out those who abuse the system. House Bill 1 addresses prescription drug abuse head-on through a variety of methods. The bill mandates increased usage of a prescription monitoring program, and regulates pain clinics throughout the commonwealth.

HB 1 went into effect July 20, and the board worked for months to develop and promulgate regulations on a host of subjects, including setting standards for prescribing controlled substances, regulation of physician owned pain clinics, and requiring continuing medical education.

The vast majority of physicians work diligently to prescribe carefully and thoughtfully. But misinformation about the regulation has caused confusion, anger and unintended consequences among the very physicians we depend upon to provide the best care.

Patients have called the board, concerned about whether they can still receive their medications. In some cases, physicians have chosen not to continue prescribing scheduled drugs. Understandably, legitimate patients with serious medical conditions are worried. The board understands and shares these concerns, and we are working to alleviate the fears of the physicians. It is important note that nothing in HB 1 or the KBML regulations precludes any licensed physician from prescribing any controlled substance believed to be medically necessary or appropriate.

We’ll continue to educate physicians about HB1 and the regulations. We strongly believe physicians will become more comfortable in their prescribing practices. We as physicians play a crucial role in helping to curb the abuse and diversion of prescription drugs, and I’m confident our efforts will enhance the overall health of the citizens of Kentucky.

Preston P. Nunnelley, M.D., president, Kentucky Board of Medical Licensure

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