By James Call
http://stream.publicbroadcasting.net/production/mp3/wfsu/local-wfsu-971882.mp3
Tallahassee, FL – Florida Gov. Rick Scott signed a bill into law Friday aimed at controlling the state's "pill mills". James Call reports, Scott said the measure will end Florida's reputation as the "oxy express".
According to state records seven people die every day in Florida from a drug overdose. The governor said the deaths are fueled by an unprecedented illegal trafficking in prescription drugs. In his weekly radio address Scott said the new law will save lives.
"We have come up with a comprehensive plan to tackle this issue at the source and reverse the growing trend of illegal pill mills operating in Florida."
The new law penalizes doctors who over-prescribe painkillers, tightens rules for pharmacies and creates a prescription drug monitoring database.