Estimated read time: Less than a minute
This archived news story is available only for your personal, non-commercial use. Information in the story may be outdated or superseded by additional information. Reading or replaying the story in its archived form does not constitute a republication of the story.
RICHMOND, Va. (AP) — Virginia could soon start monitoring prescription drugs issued for pets as it battles the human opioid scourge.
The Richmond Times-Dispatch reported Tuesday that lawmakers want to expand the state's prescription-monitoring system to include certain animal medications.
The system already helps identify human patients who visit multiple doctors in search of painkillers. State legislation would make it easier to track pet owners who frequently seek drugs for animals that also have a high potential for human abuse.
The measure passed both chambers in the General Assembly and is headed to the governor's desk.
The proposal was prompted in part by a Kentucky woman accused of cutting her dog to score painkillers.
Several states have similar laws, including Colorado and Maine. But it's unclear how widespread the problem is.
___
Information from: Richmond Times-Dispatch, http://www.richmond.com
Copyright © The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.