Bill Keating Calls for National Program to End Doctor Shopping

Press Release

Supports Federal Prescription Monitoring Program

Candidate for the 10th Congressional District Bill Keating today called for the enactment of a nationwide federal prescription drug monitoring program to address the nation's mounting crisis of prescription drug abuse. A federal forum will be held in the nation's capital on Wednesday to address this mounting issue.

"People are overdosing and dying every day from prescription drug abuse," Keating said. "We need to crack down on "doctor shopping' and prevent easy access to dangerous drugs like OxyContin to the residents of Cape Cod and the rest of this district. That is why I support federal efforts to crack down on prescription drug abuse, including online purchases."

A Prescription Drug Caucus Congressional Forum will be held tomorrow in Washington to discuss the prescription drug abuse crisis facing our nation. One proposal would model Massachusetts law and create a nationwide federal prescription drug monitoring program that will prevent abusers and doctors from filling multiple prescriptions. Members of the caucus will also discuss implementing laws and regulations that promote proper disposal of prescription drugs.

"My daughter was addicted to prescription drugs for 4 years," said Lisa Murphy. "She became a shell of what she once was. It was one of the darkest times of our lives. We need to know that our next Congressman supports the battle against prescription drug abuse. I'm confident that Bill Keating will fight not just for my family, but for everyone struggling to get by today."

Throughout his service to the people of Massachusetts, Keating has shown a strong dedication to battling prescription drug abuse. Keating helped to fund the startup of Learn2Cope.org, a support group for parents and family members dealing with loved ones addicted to drugs. It was financed, in part, with confiscated drug money.

"This is a tremendous problem plaguing the Commonwealth," said Joanne Peterson, founder of a parents support organization. "This is a silent epidemic in Massachusetts and it is vital that the Congress support programs like Learn2Cope and our efforts to end prescription drug abuse."

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