Are Florida Pharmacies Afraid Of Wrongful Death Lawsuits?

Why Are Florida Pharmacies Refusing To Fill Prescriptions?

Posted on July 10, 2015 by Shapiro Law Group

The Florida Board of Pharmacy recently convened to discuss if patients are being denied legitimate prescriptions to control pain. Pharmacists are allegedly afraid of prescribing opiate-based pain medications to patients who might be hiding substance abuse problems. With accidental overdoses from powerful prescription medications killing tens of thousands every year, the reluctance is not surprising.

However, individuals with painful health conditions such as arthritis and back problems are regularly being denied medical attention.

The Drug Enforcement Administration schedules drugs such as hydrocodone, a commonly prescribed opiate-based pain medication. As a scheduled substance, pharmacists are required to be extra cautious when filling prescriptions. According to the Florida Board of Pharmacy, the agency responsible for creating pharmacy rules throughout the state, pharmacists are required to spot forged prescriptions and drug-seeking behavior.

Are Pharmacists Afraid Of Wrongful Death Lawsuits?

Florida pill mills, which are health care clinics that overprescribe dangerous opiate-based pain relievers, have routinely been shut down by state law enforcement. Pill mills and the doctors who run them have become targets for both criminal prosecution and medical malpractice lawsuits. However, pharmacies that overprescribe painkillers can also be liable for the wrongful death of customers.

Late last year, a Walgreens was the target of a wrongful death lawsuit resulting from the 2012 death of a man who overdosed on hydrocodone.

It is also a possibility that extra responsibilities required by both the Drug Enforcement Administration and the Florida Board of Pharmacy have created a situation where patients in genuine need of pain relief are left with few options for receiving care.

For more information on medication errors and pharmacy mistakes, continue to explore our website.

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