Mass. Medical Society Mulls Supporting Supervised Injection Sites For Drug Users
The facilities have a doctor or nurse on duty to monitor those who are using drugs so that it creates an environment where they have a better chance at surviving the experience. Outlets report on news on the crisis out of New Hampshire and Michigan as well.
WBUR:
Massachusetts Medical Society Trustees Ask Members To Support Safe Injection Facilities For Drug Users
At the end of April, physicians who set policy for the Massachusetts Medical Society (MMS) will vote on a recommendation that the group advocate for a supervised injection facility (SIF) pilot program in Massachusetts. The recommendation was approved by a unanimous vote of the board of trustees in February. If approved, the Massachusetts Medical Society says it would become the first statewide physicians group to endorse the idea of a room where a doctor or nurse is on duty while drug users inject, swallow or smoke an illegal substance and ride out a high. (Bebinger, 4/5)
New Hampshire Public Radio:
Home-Based Drug Treatment Program Costs Less, Can Deliver Results
Treating addiction is a growing business in New Hampshire. But a lot of the treatment that’s available is expensive and patients often relapse. A Connecticut-based company is expanding in New Hampshire with the promise of helping some people pay less money for better results. (Rodolico, 4/6)
Detroit Free Press:
Doctors Convicted Of Operating Ann Arbor 'Pill Mill'
Two doctors face sentencing of up to 20 years in prison after being found guilty of helping to operate what federal prosecutors say was a Washtenaw County “pill mill.” Federal officials say Dr. Anthony Conrardy, 61, and Dr. William McCutchen III, 46, wrote medically unnecessary prescriptions to hundreds of individuals, charging $250 for a 30-day supply of narcotics. The pair of doctors worked at the Meghnot Comprehensive Center for Hope on Golfside Road in Pittsfield Township where physicians regularly wrote prescriptions for Oxycodone, Dilaudid, Vicodin and other narcotics “to drug-seeking individuals purporting to be patients,” according to Acting U.S. Attorney Daniel L. Lemisch. (Pepple, 4/5)
