{Frankfort, Kentucky}...Governor Steve Beshear said Tuesday that four pain management clinics have notified the state they can not comply with the new prescription drug law. In an effort to stop drug abuse, Governor Steve Beshear has signed emergency regulations that require doctors to meet tougher prescription standards. The rules, given to state boards that oversee the medical industry Friday and presented to lawmakers Monday, will remain in effect until permanent regulations are adopted. Under the order, pain clinics will be more regulated and doctors are required to use the state's prescription drug tracking system. Some physicians have raised concerns that the order exceeds the original goal of a bill passed by lawmakers, but Beshear says his office worked diligently to make sure the emergency regulations match the intent of the bill. Jill Midkiff, a spokeswoman for the Cabinet for Health and Family Services, says the state is aware of 44 pain management clinics but expects there are others.
