Prescription Drug Database Repeal Effort Fails in Senate Committee

An effort to repeal Florida's prescription drug database, which is yet to become functional, fell flat in the Senate Health Regulation Committee Monday.

Sen. Rene Garcia, R-Miami, offered an amendment to a bill requiring subpoenas for law enforcement access to patients' prescription-drug information that would repeal the database altogether.

"Idon't think this (prescription-drug monitoring program) should be in the hands of government," Garcia said.

But he failed to get any support from his fellow senators as the amendment died. A similar repeal measure is still alive in the House.

Gov. Rick Scott announced new efforts against pill mills earlier Monday, but remains opposed to the prescription-drug monitoring program, citing privacy concerns.