{Frankfort, Kentucky}...Kentucky started in July requiring people with long-term prescriptions for controlled substances to submit to urine testing. Governor Steve Beshear said this week he understands the financial burden, and changes may come in January when the expiring emergency regulations are replaced with permanent rules. The Kentucky Medical Licensure Board is hearing complaints about costly urine tests and has extended a grace period for doctors until November 1st so that "an isolated and simple failure to comply" with the regulations will not lead to professional discipline. Beshear says he is working with the Kentucky Board of Medical Licensure to review options, including exploring whether other tests (blood, hair, etc.) could be as effective. Critics say they warned last spring that HB 1, intended to crack down on the illicit sale of prescription drugs, would treat everyone like a potential felon, including doctors and patients engaged in legitimate medical care.
