Ohio Senate OKs bill that targets painkiller-drug abuse

COLUMBUS (AP) — A bill that targets the widespread abuse of prescription painkillers in Ohio has cleared the state Senate.

The Senate unanimously approved legislation today that aims to address the problem through restrictions on pain-management clinics accused of dispensing drugs on demand.

The bill would for the first time require the State Board of Pharmacy to license such clinics as distributors of dangerous drugs. It would impose fines on clinics operating without such licenses and require criminal background checks for clinic employees

Senators added a separate provision to ensure that employees at a county hospital in southern Ohio can keep their accrued vacation and sick time after the facility is sold to a private entity.

The House previously passed the bill, but plans to vote on the changes Wednesday.