ACLU Wants Rules To Protect Privacy Of Prescription Drug Users
July 10, 2013
The American Civil Liberties Union of Florida on Monday asked the state Department of Health to tighten rules to prevent the accidental release of confidential information from a state prescription-drug database.
The database was created to curb “doctor shopping” by drug abusers who visit multiple physicians and pharmacies to get powerful painkillers. But the program in recent weeks has come under heavy scrutiny — and faces a legal challenge — since the disclosure of confidential prescription records for roughly 3,300 people in the Volusia County area. The information was disclosed to defense attorneys involved in a drug case.
Now the ACLU is recommending that law enforcement agencies be required to get search warrants in order to access the database.
Failing that, Pamela Burch Fort of the ACLU said the Department of Health should limit law enforcement’s access to the database to prevent “fishing expeditions.” Burch Fort was the only member of the public who spoke during a rule-making workshop Monday at the department headquarters in Tallahassee.
“Requiring law enforcement agencies to obtain a warrant or a court order is a change that must come from the Legislature and not DOH,” Burch Fort said. “But we want to stress that such an amendment to (state law) is critical.”
The database was created in 2009, after Florida became known as a magnet for drug abusers and dealers to get powerful — and sometime deadly — pills. According to the Department of Health, since the database began operations two years ago, Florida has seen a nearly 18 percent drop in deaths due to Oxycodone abuse and a 58 percent drop in “doctor shopping” cases.
Under the law, pharmacies and other health professionals who dispense certain painkilling drugs must report the name of the prescriber, the date the prescription was filled and the name, address and birth date of the person to whom the drug is dispensed – all information that was compromised in the Volusia case. But that does not mean physicians have to check the database before writing prescriptions for the drugs.
“The (database) is not a research tool,” Burch Fort said. “It is a collection of highly sensitive information to which law enforcement should only have access after a neutral third party has examined the asserted grounds for need (and) determined that the law enforcement agency is targeting specific individuals or entities for specific crimes, supported by probable cause.”
The ACLU also recommended that the results of law enforcement queries be redacted to remove the names and personal data of those who were not under investigation, and that the Department of Health ensure the results remain confidential and notify those whose personal information has been breached.
But Lorri Abramowitz, a former detective in the pharmaceutical drug unit of the Duval County Sheriff’s Office, said the ACLU recommendations would undermine the state’s successful effort.
“Having to get a subpoena or a search warrant to obtain that information would totally slow down the process and put us going backwards rather than forwards,” Abramowitz said. “Doctor-shopping cases are down, at least in Duval County. It is working.”
Abramowitz also said more checks by physicians and pharmacies would reduce the need for law enforcement agencies to access the database.
In a report dated Dec. 1, 2012, the Department of Health found that physicians and pharmacists had used the database 2.6 million times since it began operations in September 2011. Law enforcement officers had used it more than 20,000 times in criminal investigations involving controlled substances. Five thousand pharmacies had entered 56 million controlled-substance prescriptions into the database.
Abramowitz, who helped Attorney General Pam Bondi draft the legislation cracking down on pill mills, said limits on use of the database could force law enforcement officers to contact dozens of pharmacies individually.
Florida Sheriffs Association executive director Steve Casey pointed to a Sarasota County case in which one person obtained 178 prescriptions for Oxycodone and Hydrocodone from 56 different medical providers, filling them at 26 different pharmacies over two years.
“The subject went to dentists, walk-in clinics, emergency rooms, urologists, psychiatrists and other providers every few days to obtain small quantities of the potent drugs in an attempt to go undetected,” Casey said. “That worked until two pharmacists finally consulted the database and alerted investigators… This case exemplifies why the (database) can only be effective if it is checked by medical professionals prescribing or dispensing these powerful prescription drugs.”
Casey said statistics show the database is working, and that as more medical professionals begin using it, the state will continue to see a decrease in prescription-related deaths and “doctor shopping” cases.
During the 2013 session, measures by Sen. Denise Grimsley, R-Sebring, and Rep. Mike Fasano, R-New Port Richey, would have required doctors to check the database before prescribing controlled substances, but they failed — in part due to opposition from physicians’ groups.
Florida Medical Association General Counsel Jeff Scott said in an email his organization was instrumental in passing legislation to crack down on pill mills, but “arbitrarily requiring all physicians — regardless of patient population or specialty — to consult a database before prescribing a (drug covered under the law) is not the answer. This puts patients with legitimate pain needs in limbo and makes it more difficult for physicians to treat their patients.”
Scott also said the FMA has serious concerns about patient privacy in light of recent leaks of patients’ personal data. “Until those issues are resolved, forcing physicians to use the database is not good public policy,” he said.
A Department of Health spokeswoman said the ACLU’s recommendations and any written comments submitted by July 22 will come up for discussion at another workshop, as yet unscheduled, in August.
by Margie Menzel, The News Service of Florida
Fight Over Xbox: Man Allegedly Strikes Pregnant Mother Of His Child
July 10, 2013
A Century man was charged with a felony after allegedly striking the pregnant mother of his child.
Tevin O’Brian Lane was charged with aggravated battery when offender should have known the victim was pregnant. He was booked into the Escambia County Jail with bond set at $5,000.
The victim told Escambia County Sheriff’s deputies that she got into a verbal argument with Lane over an Xbox — he wanted to play a video game while she wanted to watch a movie at a residence in the 6800 block of North Century Boulevard.
Lane allegedly grabbed her cell phone, took the back off of it and ran into their bedroom. When the victim tried to get the back of her phone, Lane allegedly struck her with a closed fist in the face, an arrest report states. The victim, who is four months pregnant, had a visible injury to the side of her face, deputies said.
Lane denied punching the victim. Instead, he told deputies he tried to leave the residence after the Xbox argument and the victim began pulling at his clothes and tried to force him inside the residence.
Local Girl Going To Vegas On America’s Got Talent (With Video)
July 10, 2013
Chloe Channell of Pace is headed to Las Vegas for the next round of America’s Got Talent.
Chloe, just 11 years old, covered the country song “American Girl” by Carrie Underwood. And she quickly let the judges know that she’s not a girly-girl, but rather a deer hunting country girl at heart.
She told the celebrity judge panel that if she won the show’s top prize of $1 million, she would “get a new hunting camp”. And she had to explain to judges Mel B and Howie Mandel exactly what a hunting camp is.
“It’s like where you get big bucks and you can hang them,” Chloe said.
“The animal?” Mandel questioned.
She told him yes, but explained, “you can’t shoot babies, like Bambi babies. You have to shoot big ole bucks.” Chloe said she has not yet shot her first big buck, but she will.
After wowing the judges with her performance, Chloe receive positive praise — and four yes votes.
“I think it’s about time again, don’t you think?” celebrity judge Heidi Klum said after learning that no child had won American’s Got Talent since the first season. Judge Howard Stern said sometimes child singers start out too young and need time to mature, but not Chloe.
“I thought you were terrific…I can’t believe,” Stern said before being interrupted by applause.
“I believe, you young lady, have a career ahead of you,” Madel told the 11-year old. “You are going to be able to afford guns, and tents…dead animals…all a little girl could ever hope for.”
About Chloe Channell
Chloe Nichole Channell was born December 27, 2001, in Pensacola to Jeff and Kim Channell. Being the only girl in the family, Chloe learned quickly to not only play rough and tough, but also how to wrap even the most hardened of hearts around her tiny finger. Chloe has a way with a person that makes even strangers feel as though they have known her for years.
Chloe took the stage for the first time at the age of six, and she knew right away that it was where she wanted to be. In February of 2009, at the age of seven, Chloe became a full-time member of The Sawmill Band at the Chumuckla Farmer’s Opry.
At the age of eight, Chloe went into Coleman Studios in Navarre with a native Nashville band, to record her first self-titled CD. In addition to her performance schedule, Chloe has had a great year as a student athlete. She recently started guitar lessons, which like her singing, has come naturally to her. With only two months of lessons beneath her belt, she has already begun to perform with her guitar. Her love of music is apparent each time she steps out on stage.
The two artists that have inspired Chloe the most are Loretta Lynn and Martina McBride. She admires Loretta Lynn’s ability to tell a story through her music. With her “small frame and big voice,” Chloe likes to compare herself with her all-time favorite Martina McBride.
Chloe has performed in over 300 shows all across Northwest Florida, Southern Alabama, and Georgia, opening for such stars as: Tracy Bird, Rodney Adkins, Little Big Town, Craig Morgan, Ronnie McDowell, Gene Watson, John Conlee, and the “Queen of Bluegrass” Rhonda Vincent.
Courtesy photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Scott Getting Around To Finding Lt. Governor
July 10, 2013
With the 2013 legislative session and the bill-signing period now complete, Gov. Rick Scott is getting around to finding an occupant for the lieutenant governor’s office, which has been vacant nearly four months.
Scott said Monday he recently directed his chief of staff, Adam Hollingsworth, to establish criteria to select a person who will also likely end up as a running mate in 2014.
“We’re starting the process now that we’re done with the session, the budget, the bills,” Scott said. “We’ll take the right amount of time, because we want to get the right person that will do a great job with this.”
The post has been vacant since Jennifer Carroll resigned in March amid a scandal about the Internet café industry.
Florida law says “there shall be a lieutenant governor,” but it’s not specific about how long the position may remain vacant. Scott has to have a running mate when he qualifies for re-election in June 2014. Scott said that while people, including former legislators, may have offered advice on replacing Carroll, the search will be conducted “internally” by the governor’s office.
FHP Looking For Quintette Road Hit And Run Driver
July 10, 2013
The Florida Highway Patrol is looking for a hit and run driver that caused an accident Tuesday afternoon on Quintette Road.
An unknown make and model pickup truck was traveling east on Quintette Road as 77-year old Frances I. Ard of Cantonment signaled and slowed to make a left turn onto Frank Ard Road abut 4:50 p.m. The unknown pickup, traveling at a high rate of speed, attempted to pass Ard in a no-passing zone, according to the FHP. The two vehicles collided, sending the unknown pickup into the ditch. The unknown truck returned to the roadway and fled the scene eastbound on Quintette Road.
Ard was not injured.
The unknown pickup was described an an older model, lighter color truck, possibly beige in color. It will have right side damage and possibly transferred blue paint from Ard’s vehicle.
Anyone with information on the accident is asked to call (850) 484-5000 ext. 330 Callers can remain anonymous.
Russell Eugene Hall
July 10, 2013
Russell Eugene Hall, age 85, of Molino, passed away Monday, July 8, 2013. He was a member of American Legion. He served his country in the United States Navy. He then worked at St. Regis Paper Company before he became an International Union Representative with the United Paper Workers Union until his retirement in 1998. He was an avid hunter and fisherman.
He is preceded in death by his parents, Dewitt Hall, Sr. and Mamie Agerton Hall; brothers, Elmer Hall and Dewitt T. Hall, Jr.; and sister, Violet Allen.
He is survived by his loving wife of 65 years, Carol C. Hall; son, Glynn Hall (Joyce); three granddaughters, Charla Hall-Alvarado (Leonzo), Lacy Smith and Christina Smyth (Josh); eight great-grandchildren; and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.
Funeral services will be held at 10:30 a.m., Friday, July 12, 2013, at Faith Chapel Funeral Home North with a visitation one hour prior to the service.
Interment will follow at Oakgrove Cemetery in Oakgrove.
Faith Chapel Funeral Home North is in charge of arrangements.
Northview Announces 2013 JV Football Schedule
July 10, 2013
The Northview Chiefs have announced their 2013 junior varsity football schedules.
Games will be played as follows:
Aug 29 – Baker – Away
Sept 9 – Escambia Co, AL – Home
Sept 19 – West Florida – Away
Sept 23 – Escambia County, AL -Away
Oct 3 – West Florida – Home
Oct 17 – Baker – Home
All games are scheduled for 6 p.m.
For the previously announced Northview Chiefs 2013 varsity schedule, click here.
Edward Joseph “Joey” Allen
July 10, 2013
Mr. Edward Joseph “Joey” Allen, 25, of McGougin Road in Brewton, Alabama, passed away Monday, July 8, 2013, after injuries sustained in a automobile accident. He was a native of Mobile and a life long resident of Brewton. Mr. Allen was member the L Pond Church of Christ. He was a graduate of W.S. Neal High School and was employed as a cook at Donut Delight.
Survivors include his father, Earl Allen of Mobile; mother, Robin Allen of Brewton; brother, Morgan Allen of Brewton; sister, Virginia Allen of Mobile and many aunts, uncles, and cousins.
Visitation will be held Thursday, July 11, 2013, from 6 p.m. until 8 p.m at Williams Memorial Chapel Funeral Home in Brewton.
Funeral services are scheduled for Friday, July 12, 2013, at 10 a.m. at Williams Memorial Chapel Funeral Home with Minister Steve Parker officiating.
Interment will follow in Weaver Cemetery in Brewton.
Williams Memorial Chapel Funeral Home is directing.
Brewton Man Killed In Hwy 31 Wreck
July 9, 2013
A Brewton man was killed and his sister injured in a single vehicle crash Monday night.
Alabama State Troopers said 25-year old Virginia “Ginny” Allen was driving a 2001 Ford Explorer on Highway 31 north of Brewton when she ran off the road and overturned. Her passenger, 25-year old Edward “Joey” Allen died in the crash. Ginny Allen was transported to Sacred Heart Hospital in Pensacola. Her condition was not available.
Further details have not yet been released as state troopers continue their investigation.
Long List Of Crimes Attributed To Man Shot By Deputies
July 9, 2013
The Escambia County Sheriff’s Office Tuesday released a long list of crimes attributed to a man killed in a deputy involved shooting last Friday afternoon in West Pensacola.
James Wyman McGlothlin, 39, was pronounced deceased at the scene of the shooting about 2:30 p.m. Friday at the Lago Vista Apartments in the 400 block of South 72nd Avenue. There were no deputies injured.
McGlothlin was reportedly driving a small red Honda vehicle when he ran off the road and became stuck in a flooded ditch off 72nd Avenue. He then ran into the apartment complex where a K-9 tracked him to a shed. Area residents reported hearing dozens of gunshots as deputies entered the shed.
According to a list released by the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office, McGlothlin was responsible for the following crimes:
On Friday, June 21, 2013, McGlothlin’s former employer (Gordon Wholesale Auto) reported to the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office that over the course of the prior three weeks, McGlothlin had stolen several items from the business.
On Saturday, June 29, 2013, the Escambia Sheriff’s Office received a report of a residential burglary inthe 1700 block of North Blue Angel Parkway in which several personal items were taken from the home.Witnesses descriptions placed McGlothlin at the scene of the crime.Latent prints recovered at the scene were also identified to be McGlothlin’s.
On Monday, July 1, 2013, the Escambia Sheriff’s Office received a report of a vehicle theft in which a red Honda Civic was taken from an auto repair shop located in the 6800 block of Pine Forest Road.
On Wednesday, July 3, 2013, shortly before 8 pm, McGlothlin entered the Subway located in the 3500 block of Barrancas Avenue.Witnesses stated that after placing an order, McGlothlin then displayed a firearm which was concealed in the waistband of his pants and demanded money before ordering employees into a back room and fleeing the store.
On Thursday, July 4, 2013 McGlothlin robbed Trade and Save (5000 Mobile Highway) at gunpoint. He entered the business at approximately 2:30 pm and took money and X-Box system and games after displaying a gun. (Surveillance photos at top of page.)
On Thursday July 4 it was reported that some time between June 5 and June 14McGlothlin had committed Grand Theft athis mother’s home on Sherrilane Drive, stealing checks and numerous pieces of jewelry.
On July 5, McGlothlin committed an Aggravated Battery at the Flight Deck Lounge at 3709 W. Navy Blvd. He entered the business at 1:47 am and displayed a firearm in an apparent attempted robbery. One male victim struggled with the suspect and was struck in the face with the firearm. This victim temporarily disarmed him, but McGlothlin regained control of the firearm and attempted to fire the weapon unsuccessfully. A female victim received a puncture wound and was treated at an area hospital.
The investigation is being conducted by the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office, the Florida Department of Law Enforcement and the State Attorney’s Office.
McGlothlin was released from prison on November 22, 2012, according to Florida Department of Corrections records. He had been incarcerated in state prison at least three times during his life, records show, for crimes in Escambia County including marijuana possession, grand theft of a motor vehicle, burglary, trafficking in stolen property, and pawnbroker offenses.
As is standard with all law enforcement involved shootings, the deputy or deputies involved will be placed on administrative leave. The shooting is under investigation by the Florida Department of Law Enforcement.
If anyone has any information on crimes that might be connected to McGlothlin, they are urged to contact Crime Stoppers at (850) 433-STOP or the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office at (850) 436-9620.