Governor Signs Bill to Release Drug Data, Other Measures Pending

By Bill Kidd, Central Bureau ChiefOklahoma Gov. Mary Fallin (R) signed legislation on Monday to allow release of statistical data on prescription drug use compiled through the state’s Prescription Monitoring Program (PMP) for use by researchers, reporters and the public.But a bill that passed the House of Representatives to require doctors to check the PMP when prescribing controlled substances for new patients in order to prevent doctor shopping is not expected to pass this session. A bill approved by the state Senate to track early refills of controlled substances is still in play and ...