Ohio to combat drug theft in nursing homes

COLUMBUS (AP) — Attorney General Mike DeWine announced a plan Tuesday to combat the theft of prescription drugs in nursing homes and assisted living facilities.

The initiative is one of several state efforts aimed at reducing the abuse of prescription painkillers, which has led to record numbers of accidental overdose deaths.

DeWine said a letter going out next week to all care facilities in the state reminds them of their obligations under law to report suspected illegal activity and lets them know of assistance available from the state to prosecute prescription drug theft.

He said that in many cases employees steal prescription drugs to feed their own addictions and the addictions of loved ones or to sell them on the streets.