Bilirakis Assists Local Authorities in Combatting Prescription Drug Diversion

"In my Congressional district, Pasco County had dozens of oxycodone-caused deaths – some of the highest rates in Florida. Although serious strides have been made over the past few years, we still have a lot of work to do. I advocated for Pasco County to be a part of the HIDTA program, and I am happy to announce its inclusion," said Bilirakis. "We have fantastic local law enforcement in Pasco County. Being a part of the HIDTA means more money and resources for them to combat prescription drug abuse and drug trafficking. By working together on a federal and local level, we can solve the problem."

Congressman Bilirakis has on multiple occasions discussed the prescription abuse crisis, and his own legislation, H.R. 3392, the Medicare Part D Patient Safety and Drug Abuse Prevention Act,would establish a Safe Pharmacy Access Program, which prevents high-risk beneficiaries from abusing controlled substances. It is a cost-saving measure utilized by private industry, TRICARE, and state Medicaid programs.