Ohio sheriff's group seeks better drug monitoring

CLEVELAND (AP) — A lobbying group for Ohio sheriffs says not enough doctors and dentists are checking a prescription drug database before prescribing painkillers and other narcotics.

Ohio’s statewide database was created in 2006 to allow physicians to check the prescription histories of patients and to discourage addicts from “doctor shopping” to get drugs.

But only about 5,500 of Ohio’s 42,000 licensed doctors and dentists are registered to use the voluntary online database.

The Buckeye State Sheriffs’ Association is meeting with lawmakers about a bill to mandate the system’s use.

Jeff Smith, director of government relations with the Ohio State Medical Association, says he would oppose a mandate. He says doctors are trained to evaluate patients who are trying to abuse prescriptions.