TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (WTXL) - With Florida facing an opioid epidemic, a measure aimed at preventing patients from getting addicted to prescription painkillers and then turning to street drugs will take effect on July 1.
The bill, in part, will place limits on prescriptions that doctors can write for treatment of acute pain.
Doctors in many cases would be limited to writing prescriptions for three-day supplies.
The bill also requires physicians to check with a statewide database before prescribing or dispensing controlled substances.
"I see this as one part of it," said John Wilson, CEO of Disc Village. "There are lots of parts to this epidemic, but this is a critical part in helping get to the bottom of it."
Other laws that go into effect on July 1:
The Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School Public Safety Act, which requires law enforcement officers to be stationed in every school in the state.
Another law taking effect is related to written threats to conduct a mass shooting or an act of terrorism on social media. Such is now a felony of the second degree.
Also, marriage licenses may not be issued to a person under the age of 18.
And a New Hope Scholarship Program for children who are bullied at school allows them to receive a voucher for a private school.
