MIAMI (AP) — Gov. Rick Scott is proposing to dedicate $50 million and wants a series of new health care regulations aimed at combatting Florida’s opioid abuse epidemic.
Scott said at a news conference Tuesday in Bradenton he will ask the Legislature for the money in his upcoming budget for such things as substance abuse treatment, counseling and recovery services.
The Republican governor also proposed legislation placing a three-day limit on most prescribed opioids and requiring health professionals who prescribe or dispense opioids to participate in a state controlled substance monitoring program. Scott said he would seek to beef up laws to fight unlicensed pain clinics and find ways to obtain more federal grant money.
Top legislative leaders signaled their support in a statement issued by Scott’s office.
