Georgia Law Restricting Pain Clinics

A law which makes changes to Georgia's pain clinic operations will go into effect on July 1 of this year. The new law requires pain clinics in the state to be owned by a physician as opposed to merely employing a state-licensed physician. It also requires that these clinics be licensed by the state's medical board, which could deny licenses based on various factors, including any previous drug convictions by owners relating to controlled substances. Pain clinics will be required to register every two years. Those clinics that do not register may find their owners facing felony charges.

The new law was passed to better monitor pain clinics, often called "pill mills" due to the easy access to prescription drugs they have been accused of providing to addicts. The number of Georgia pain clinics mushroomed after Florida passed laws restricting them in 2010; at that time, Florida was known to be a pill mill center. Since its new laws, Florida saw a dramatic reduction in pain clinics, oxycodone sales, and overdose fatalities connected to oxycodone and hydrocodone. Legislators and the governor in Georgia hope to see a similar reduction in prescription drug problems in the state once the law goes into effect. Currently, approximately 85 pain clinics operate in the state. In Georgia, it is a criminal offense to possess or distribute prescription drugs without the authorization of a medical practitioner. Anyone convicted of the felony of forging a prescription faces a potential prison sentence of up to ten years.

Atlanta Criminal Defense Firm

Like all other states, Georgia law restricts the possession, sale, distribution, and trafficking of controlled substances, whether they are street drugs or prescription medicines. Anyone found in possession of an illegal drug faces penalties based on the amount of drugs found, previous convictions, and other pertinent facts related to the offense. Getting the trusted and experienced legal advice of an attorney who focuses on criminal defense is vital in such a situation.

The Law Office of Matthew T. McNally is based in Atlanta and serves clients in and around the area with skilled legal representation. The firm offers a free case evaluation to anyone charged with a crime or subject to a criminal investigation by law enforcement. Contact the firm to arrange for your consultation. Learn your legal rights and options and more about how your case can be effectively defended.