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KY moves to strengthen Internet pharmacy laws

Kentucky law passed last year still has loopholes, attorney general says, even though the state seized $1.5 million in illegal drugs.
Written by Richard Koman, Contributor
In Kentucky, Attorney General Greg Stumbo wants to crack down on Internet pharmacies. The state's top law enforcement official is pushing legislation that would require people to have "face-to-face" examinations before ordering prescription drugs over the Internet, The Lexington Herald-Leader reports.

State law currently allows people to order drugs online just by answering a few questions. Stumbo said Kentucky's Internet pharmacy law is the strongest in the country but still needs strengthening.

The proposed changes, Stumbo said, are a product of a special task force on Internet pharmacies. Its members include representatives of various organizations, including Stumbo's office, the state Board of Pharmacy, the Cabinet for Health and Family Services, the Drug Enforcement Agency and several state prosecutors and police departments.

Stumbo also wants to make it a felony to forge medical records to obtain prescription drugs. Since Kentucky adopted its Internet pharmacy law last year, Stumbo said, the state has seized about $1.5 million worth of illegal drugs.

"The challenge for law enforcement is to stay one step ahead," he said.
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