Ga. Senate passes measure to curb pill mills

ATLANTA — The Georgia Senate has approved a measure aimed at stemming the spread of pill mills in the Peach State.

The Senate voted 49-3 in favor of House Bill 972. Under the measure, which the state House previously approved, the Georgia Composite Medical Board would have the power to license and regulate pain management clinics.

“Prescription drug abuse in Georgia has increased at an alarming rate in recent years, wreaking havoc in communities across the state,” Georgia Attorney General Sam Olens said in a news release.

“In order to tackle the problem, it is imperative that we address one of the main sources driving the abuse – pill mills which often operate under the façade of pain management clinics and illegally supply massive amounts of prescription drugs,” Olens added. “By giving the Composite Medical Board the authority to license and regulate pain management clinics, HB 972 will expose and punish narcotic traffickers who operate rogue pill mills, while ensuring that Georgia’s great doctors can continue to provide high-quality healthcare to their patients.”

The measure now heads to the desk of Gov. Nathan Deal for his signature or veto.