Doctors Concerned About New Prescription Pill Law

Some doctors are expressing concerns about new regulations that require them to meet tougher prescription standards in an effort to stop drug abuse.

Dr. Gregory Hood, a Lexington internist with the Kentucky chapter of the American College of Physicians, told The Kentucky Enquirer that the law passed earlier this year by legislators likely will mean some doctors will stop writing prescriptions for controlled substances that treat pain and anxiety.

Doctors and other medical professionals will have a chance on Wednesday during a hearing in Frankfort to express their concerns.

The statute passed by lawmakers this year said licensing boards should "police their own industry" and gave them until Sept. 1 to draft a final plan. Gov. Steve Beshear has signed emergency regulations that put measures into place until then.