The recent changes in controlled drug distribution will not affect the drug problem at all. The time and money wasted on a hand out and limiting prescription sizes and frequency will do nothing. 

The hand out's biggest educational impact will be in letting the layperson know they can use their pet's drugs. So the education, you could argue, will INCREASE abuse.

The time, effort, and money would be better spent on educating veterinary staff on drug seeking behavior and/or committing funds to treatment. 

Addicts and the black market will be completely unaffected by the changes. 

Research and the failure of the 40 year "War on Drugs" has shown that the only viable option for attacking the drug epidemic is better treatment options, decriminalization, and having positive social outlets. 

Addicts will find drugs as long as people can make money selling them.

These regulations will affect patient care more than decrease access to controlled substances. Having to reauthorize prescriptions, which is time consuming, will take away from more important duties of the veterinary staff. 

Working families will have difficulty getting refills and the limited supply will cost them more money in the long run, potentially taking away from their ability to afford other treatment or diagnostics.

The negatives far outweighs the positives:

Negative 

1) decreased access to pain management for our patients 

2) educating the public that these drugs can be abused in the face of prior ignorance 

3) time spent approving and refilling medication which takes away from patient care

4) money spent on rechecks and more frequent refills taking away from limited funds for diagnostics and treatment 

5) frustration and emotional impact of all of the above

6) new problems from attempts to get around these regulations 

Positive 

1) an insignificant decrease in drug circulation from clinic, pharmacy, and drug companies to the general public.

I strongly urge the board to reconsider these regulations. They impact patient care more than the opioid crisis, plain and simple.

Respectfully,

Mark M. Held, LVT