AUGUSTA, Maine — Customers filling prescriptions for painkillers and some other drugs would have to show photo identification at the pharmacy counter under proposed legislation.
Representatives of Maine doctors and pharmacies testified in favor of the bill at a public hearing Tuesday, while others raised concerns about patient privacy and safety.
LD 1829 would require pharmacists to check photo IDs before filling customers’ prescriptions for controlled substances. Those drugs include OxyContin, Ritalin, Vicodin and benzodiazepines, which are used to treat insomnia, anxiety and muscle spasms.
The legislation is aimed at curbing what Maine Attorney General William Schneider has described as an epidemic rate of prescription drug abuse in Maine. In 2009, 169 deaths in the state were attributed to drug overdoses, nearly all involving prescription drugs, usually methadone, oxycodone or some blend of both.
Maine law already allows, but does not require, pharmacists to check photo IDs of customers filling prescriptions. The law also applies to anyone buying over-the-counter cold remedies that can be used to manufacture methampethamine.
While LD 1829 has sparked privacy concerns, the intractable nature of prescription drug abuse in Maine warrants the “modest intrusion on individual privacy,” said Andrew MacLean of the Maine Medical Association.
“Gee, if it was important enough to be requiring photographic ID for Sudafed, then it probably is for controlled substances,” he told members of the Legislature’s Health and Human Services Committee.
MacLean also spoke for a working group tasked with reviewing the state’s efforts to cut down on prescription drug abuse.
The photo ID requirement would additionally apply to anyone picking up a prescription for a controlled substance on someone else’s behalf.
MacLean and a representative of the Maine Merchants Association, which counts community pharmacies among its members, said they would support amending the bill to allow pharmacists to skip the ID checks for customers they know.
Hilary Schneider, a state director of government relations for the American Cancer Society, cautioned that requiring customers to present photo ID only for controlled substances, and not for other medications, could tip off dangerous criminals.
“This can lead to people being targeted by someone who may be casing the pharmacy looking for those older or frail individuals who have been asked to present an ID,” she said.
Cancer patients, the elderly and their families have been assaulted in pharmacy parking lots and even followed home by criminals hunting for prescription drugs, Schneider said.
Supporters of the bill argue it would deter crooks with fraudulent prescriptions from trying to get them filled. But Alysia Melnick of the ACLU of Maine said there’s no evidence that requiring photo IDs for prescription drugs stems abuse. It does, however, make it harder for patients to get the drugs they need, she said.
“While we understand that there’s a very serious problem in Maine, the focus on criminalizing and tracking people rather than looking at other proven methods of addressing the problem with drug addiction and diversion is part of what’s causing us grave concern,” Melnick said.
The Health and Human Services Committee will hold a work session on the bill Thursday.
The more ID bills that come out, the more I am going to start thinking we will need to show ID for the use of a Debt Card, Using one of the few rest rooms along the Interstate/Turnpike, need one to purchase gas, might need one to pay tolls too, and who knows, by a bottle of Children’s Tylenol and they will probably want ID for that too, can’t wait to see how many more ID bills come out
You can actually be asked to show your ID when using a debit card, I’ve seen it happen to others and have had it happen. Not often but it does happen.
I actually write ” see id ‘ on the back of all my cards in the signature box. It’s scary how many don’t look on the back and I make a point of it if they don’t ask me. My signature is on my driver license if they want to see it.
That is very true, I don’t mind showing my ID when I use a debit card, and I wish more people would. It’s a simple deterrent for a stolen card to be used, but every time I make that argument people get defensive about it. I’ve been asked to show my ID maybe 5 times in all the years I’ve had my debit card. I’ve used it probably about 20-30 times in the past month.
Credit and debit cardholders who believe that writing “See ID” or “Check ID” on the signature panel of their cards will help prevent fraud should think again. According to Visa and MasterCard, when a merchant sees “See ID” on the back of a card instead of a signature, that card should not be processed.
Common sense always wins out. Comparing my Driver licence name to the name on the credit card is the best deterrent you could have vs a clerk worrying about a signature. I’ve had credit cards for years and never had a problem. I’m not protecting the bank I’m protecting me. Maybe the banks need to rethink their outdated policies.
Your card is not valid unless it is signed, it is that simple. You just have yet to run across someone that has called you out on it.
I do the same thing. I have many times been at a store and
have a clerk comment that it is such a good idea and proceed with running my
card without asking for my ID. I commented to a clerk at a store in Bangor why
he did not ask for my ID and he said it was busy and he trusted me, the manager
was not of the same opinion. Funny I have not seen the same clerk since. I think that this is a good idea, there is a definate problem with diverted prescriptions. the only problem is if someone is picking up a prescription for an elderly relative, but I am sure there will be provisions for that.
i also have SEE ID on the back of my cards. the only time i ever get asked for an ID is when i am in maine. i said to a cashier at the jcp in bangor,” wow i never get asked for an ID” and she replied ” well, it says see ID and i want to see it.”..pretty much anywhere i have ever gone to use it in maine they ask to see an ID. doesn’t bother me at all and i wish they did that everywhere.
I’ve lived in Maine all of my life and have been using a debit card for many years. I have never once been asked for any form of ID.
You can be asked, but you don’t HAVE to show it. Stores cannot require you to show it as a condition of your purchase. THIS is a ruling from Visa and other CC companies and the stores cannot overrule that.
I shouldn’t have to when my cardholder agreement tells me I have a PIN that is my electronic signature, however I have been and seen people be asked for ID if they used it as a credit rather then a debit
You hit the nail on the head, some people are confused..
Just become an illegal alien and you won’t have to show diddly squat for anything whatsoever.
Great idea!
You will have to let us know how to “become and illegal alien”.
I don’t think showing an ID is going to do anything to prevent drug abuse. Doctors need to stop prescribing it so much, check the state database for those who doctor-shop, and require unused medications to be returned to the doctor’s office.
FYI- At a local Bangor FCU, where there is share banking- you gotta show proof of ID, photo to PAY ON YOUR OWN LOAN- no kidding either
while your at it close the methadone clinics they arn’t helping anything.
What a blight on society they are.
If you think the methadone clinics are a blight, you would really not like the blight if there weren’t any. Heroin addicts tend to steal for their fix and crime rates soar where there are no programs.
That is exactly what has been happening in Bangor. Crime rate has skyrocketed since the clinics have opened. People moving here from away to be closer to clinic and bringing all their problems with them. Close the clinics and let the problems be some one else’s.
my friend died from moving closer to “the clinic.” i can’t believe they let people walk out of their doors in the shape they do. one poster in the comments compared the parking lot to the demolition derby after reading an article about someone who crashed into a van at a local clinic.
WRONG. Close the clinics and it goes even higher!
Always the over simplified view of the world. You must be a conservative, trying to displace your problems onto someone else. Ever the victim……never a solution beyond ignorance…..
I wonder how many of the 169 overdose “deaths” in 2009 were terminal cancer patients? These mercy OD’s should not be counted and used to take away more freedoms from the rest of us.
My wife is rather immobile and I often pick up her drugs. Do I have to pack her in the car and drag her to Hannaford’s to get pain medication which, after she has some she can get around to go?
I don’t think this is a big deal. It’s for security reason’s for wife medications . You can just be added as a person authorized to pick up her pills. I do this now just to pick up my wife’s paper subscriptions from the doctor’s office. They don’t ask for id but they could if they don’t personal know you.
Unconditioner the article states that you would only have to show your ID to pick up her medicines. It is no different than you signing for them now. It is unfortunate that prescription drugs are being sold and used by addicts. The sad thing in life it is a small percent of bad that always makes it harder for the many who are law abiding. I know that I always kind of look over my shoulder when I leave the pharmacy because you just never know who may be stalking you or your loved ones. I guess the old saying is true….One bad egg ruins the whole dozen.
I have to show an ID to pick up ADHD meds for my husband. I would imagine it would be the same for this, but I’m not sure.
I believe the article said you’d just have to show an ID when picking up her meds.
Doctors and Pharmacy’s won’t have to shoulder the huge cost of implementation and “TRYING” to maintain and administer this nightmare of unsurpassed complexity, so why should they give a rats peetoot. Whatever costs fly their way they’ll just pass on. The republican tea leaf addicts are really soaring to the further reaches of mendacity, buzzing madly. They have decided more invasive government oversight of an individual’s most sensitive medical issues equals greater protection for the individuals from government intrusion in their lives..
I don’t really get your statement. Currently you have to show I.D. to buy cigs or even spray paint. Why is there a problem with having the pharmacist verify an ID before dispensing highly addictive and abused drugs?
and why is it a problem to have to show pic id to vote??dems want all the un qualified they can dig up, literally,
The state would have to provide ID’s free of charge, otherwise it’s akin to a poll tax. One has to pay for a state ID or a drivers license.
Good luck with that one!
I agree that pic ideas should be required to vote. If people have a legitimate issue with being able to afford an id, I think it’s a reasonable thing for our taxes to help cover to ensure that both those voting, and those receiving highly abused drugs are who they say they are.
Who do you think is going to pay for all of this ? The tooth fairy? This stuff is really popular in spite of its contradiction to much of the ideological individual rights bs the republican tea party love fest puts out because it is directed at a perceived underclass. Us against the dreaded “Them.”
What in the h2ll are you going on about? Since when do we have an individual, constitutional right to pick up a narcotic, prescribed medication without proving who you are? If you want to simply legalize all drugs and sell them under no restrictions, this might be a medical privacy issue, but as long as these are “highly controlled” substances, how can anyone be sure the right person is given the drug without showing an id? Regardless of my political ideology, tax money has been spent on much less reasonable issues.
Show ID to buy spray paint? Really? Where??
From the “National Inhalant Prevention Coalition”—–“Maine–inhaling toxic vapors for
effect; sale or distribution for purpose of intoxification to minor–general prohibition of
inhalable compounds.” Have you never heard of “sniffing paint?” I know it’s stupid, but it’s done.
Squirrel y are you up that tree again? hehehhhe
so well said
“While we understand that there’s a very serious problem in Maine, the focus on criminalizing and tracking people rather than looking at other proven methods of addressing the problem with drug addiction and diversion is part of what’s causing us grave concern, Melnick said.”
If Ms. Melnick is going to speak publicly about a subject she should probably learned to educate herself before hand. The fact of the matter is that prescriptions issued by pharmacies have been logged into a center database for several years now so that physicians can check to see if their patients are getting the same precription from another doctor. Nothing in this law focuses on criminalizing anyone.
For several years now in order to purchase medicine that contains ephedrine you have been required to go to the pharmacy desk to ask for the medication and then provided a photo ID to purchase it. The law requiring this was passed to prevent an epidemic of methampethamine manufacturing. Several other state like Kansas and Missouri have now passed the same law and wish they had thought of it first.
I would much rather have the opportunity to present a photo ID that the current method of the pharmacy tech asking me my date of birth which I much then announce to everyone in earshot. Especially since there is a far greater chance of my identity being stolen than my presrcription. I can always get my prescription refilled a day, if not a few hours if it is stolen. It can often take years to get your life back if someone steal your identity.
This one is a no brainer. Let’s hope the legislature passes it quickly!!
So in addition to giving up your date of birth, which is on your ID usually, you now want to give up your name AND ADDRESS to the cashier (not necessarily the pharmacist). That is great, the thieves will know exactly where to find you and your medication.
I also personally assure and write my DOB if necessary on all of my scripts. Then I only have to give DOB once when I pick up my scripts at the counter.
Every time I walk a hand written prescription into the pharmacy the pharmacy tech always write my DOB on it. When I return to pick it up I am then asked to verify my DOB so they know that they are giving me the correct prescription. The purpose of this new law is to ensure the correct face goes with the correct DOB. If you use your drivers licence as your ID you shouldn’t have to answer a single question as all they will have to do is swipe it like a credit card. Much safer and more secure than the current method.
Apparent you do no’t read the labels on your prescription bottles very often. If you did you would know that they already have your address.
And, they repeated my address aloud (“Are you still at …..??”) when I picked up medications this morning — what a comforting thought!
Well other’s may disagree but considering the world we live in, im really surprised that we don’t have to show id a lot more often. People always wanna complain about this and that happening to them, how they got ripped off for this or how they got stolen from because of that or how we should have better safeguards in place to protect civilians etc etc etc. But when presented with a viable solution that will help decrease the crimes for this or that, well then we have to whine and cry about that as well. Please, how hard is it really to dig into your purse or wallet and hand over your picture id to a clerk etc to verify that they indeed are dealing with whom they are suppose to be dealing with. Sorry if this meets with disapproval but in my opinion society as a whole really need to get over themselves and grow up.
I don’t get showing the cashier at the pharmacy (i.e. Walmart, Rite-Aie, CVS, Walgreens) my ID is going to help the drug abuse issue. If you can make the connection, would you please explain it to me?
I agree! A person shows their ID……and then goes to sell it on the streets anyway. Already happening. Showing an ID isn’t going to stop people from selling.
Sure i will make the connection for you. Their isn’t one, where in my very broad statement do i once say that something like this would ”
help the drug abuse issue”? You must have better eye’s then me or be a politician because i don’t see it. I was generalizing and more pointing to the fact that we the people have really become so lazy that the least little thing that inconviences us is immediately rebutted and attacked. Because that’s really what this whole thing is about and usually is “Convience” How it’s going to effect our experience at the store, so god forbid im going to be 3 minutes at the check-out instead of my usual 2 and a half….
Let’s say grams has a Prescription for pain medication and is allowed 3 a day. Gram is a tough cookie and doesn’t use all that is allowed. Now maybe gram has a grandchild or son that has a drug problem and this person kinda figure’s this out. Grams is allowed 90 pills a month but only actually use’s 30. See where I’m going with this, son or grandchild calls in the prescriptions and gram and the doctor hasn’t got a clue. So if a photo id is needed at least we know who got the pills and when grams runs out but can’t refill because the pharmacy says we already have filled it. Bingo Just protecting gram.
I say have everyone show their ID for all prescriptions to eliminate amy discrimination. You show your ID to buy alcohol so why not. No big deal!
They should just change signs to read “Anyone appearing to be under the age of 200, or looks like a thief will be asked for ID”
and to vote.
If they are going to go through with this, then is should apply to all scripts. If it only applies to controlled substances, a few addicts get together, one watches the pharmacy and takes note of who had to show their ID. He texts a friend outside, and they follow the customer, and guess who’s house gets robbed. This particular ID law just makes it so easy for bad people to identify those who have narcotics.
I indicated ALL prescriptions. You can’t stop people from being dishonest but you can try harder by making ALL people show an ID.
I know that’s why i pointed out how just the drugs they want to ID for is a bad idea, if you need a license to write a script, you should have to prove you are who you say you are to pick one up
It’s too much to ask of our state representatives…… Critical thinking isn’t part of the equation. I like where your head is at, though.
What about Florida firefighters?
I look forward to the day when I need medications and my ID gets stolen. Just go ahead and weld a VIN plate to me while you’re at it.
Then they will push to implate a microchip under your skin for ID.
is this the one that creates all the jobs
ah yes, if a bill doesn’t create a job then it has no use. I fail to understand that logic.
Hmmm… will a person have to show an ID when purchasing illegal drugs from a SCUMBAG? That’s where the real problem lies!
When will we see some “production” for something real coming from Augusta?
So far, like Washington D. C., Augusta is “Out of Touch” with the real world!
I agree! It seems that politicians are YEARS behind the real world. I’ve always said, they need to come live among us…REALLY live among us…….come live in a poverty area for a year or so…….live on the streets…..live on minimum wage….live among the druggies……go and ACTUALLY have to WORK for a living.
This isn’t law already? My pharm has asked for photo ID the last couple of times I needed a prescription filled. I guess they’re more cautious than others.
I believe the pharmacy has always had that option. Their just making it a law now.
“While LD 1829 has sparked privacy concerns, the intractable nature of prescription drug abuse in Maine warrants the ‘modest intrusion on individual privacy,’ said Andrew MacLean of the Maine Medical Association.”
Wrong. Entirely wrong. This kind of attitude leads nowhere beneficial.
Also: “Gee, if it was important enough to be requiring photographic ID for Sudafed, then it probably is for controlled substances.” Well, sure, except that it WASN’T important enough to require photo ID for Sudafed; the people responsible for that rule enacted it anyway because they’re evidently too thick or too scared to realize that the people making speed out of cold medicine weren’t getting it legitimately in the first place. It’s the same kind of goofy logic as assuming that, because stealing is illegal, thieves won’t do it.
Oh, great. I have a serious and chronic medical condition that requires painkillers if I’m going to keep working full time. In order to get them, I’m going to have to take time off work to pick up the prescription in person, with my photo ID? Right now, my retired husband is able to do this for me. I’m busy enough so that I wind up spending 9 or even 10 hours at work on a good day, and now I get to drive to the pharmacy and wait in line for my prescription.
It said that caregivers could still do that as long as they show photo ID. I’m sure you might be required to have him listed as a bonifide caregiver, but there does need to be a provision for this type of problem from the start.
They must have edited the article, because 3 people so far have made comments such as LizDavies did.
No I think people just don’t take the time to read the entire articles before spouting off.
If your husband is picking up a script for you then he shows his ID…..not complicated…..
I pick up prescriptions for my wife. I have to know her date of birth. If they wanted ID, I would have no problem with that. I don’t understand why some people are making this out to be a huge deal (of course I still think you should have to show ID to vote).
Why are these Republicans so focused on ID’s?
Is the ultimate goal ID chips implants?
Geez, if this will help prevent some of the stuff
we read everyday here, why not try it? Who is this
going to inconvenience, the ones too indignant or
lazy to show an id? Buy an ipod and get asked for an
id and the same ones will pull out 2 in a blink of an eye.
This does nothing to stop the abuse. How does this prevent someone from getting the Rx, showing their ID and then selling it on the street? Some Dr’s such as mine, do testing to see if you have the prescribed drug in your system at a level consistant with the Rx. If you don’t, my Dr cuts off the Rx and notifys the pharmacy.
This seems more effective than just showing an ID
1 law made is another right taken away……..
What is wrong with showing an ID if you have nothing to hid.
Just another stupied law
So what will they do if your wife or husband go in to pick up your RX? In my case – pick up my 80 yr old parent’s RX? Make them go to pharmacy in their wheelchairs? Cute.
Probably a POA situation, I’d assume.
Believe that assumes life in a town with a pharmacy and only one or two people may be responsibile for picking up other’s RX’s. Cost of fuel and schedules – the first person going to town asks if they can pick anything up while they are there (50mile trip one-way). It could be a neighbor, friend, relative – we take turns. Can’t have POA’s for everyone!
:( Maybe they could have a list on file of relatives, friends, etc. that are designated for that kind of thing – hopefully they won’t be making people jump through all kinds of hoops.
If you are picking up a script for a family member you would show personal ID….not complicated….
Andrew MacLean of the Maine Medical Association said: “Gee, if it was important enough to be requiring photographic ID for Sudafed, then it probably is for controlled substances,” I am not sure this isn’t a protest bill… Not everyone goes to the same pharmacy every time they get pills, and this is going to make it harder on some, and perhaps easier for criminals.
Drug abuse has caused so many problems in this state. Thousands of people on methadone, that we pay for.Thousands that doctor shop for drugs while on state aid. Thousands incarcerated for illegal drug use and sales. Unimaginal convictions for theft because of drugs, plus alot of the time old people that get robbed from family members hooked on junk dont report it because they are a family member. Law inforcement has clamped down on drunk driving and made alot of progress at stopping it, but people on methadone drive all over the place while buzzed on the stuff. The methadone clinics even give them the stuff while they do other drugs too.
Baah Haah Haah Haah
This is the biggest laugh today.
And they’re still sending methadone through the mail.. I thought the underware story was funny, but this is a scream…. hold it, let me catch my breath… Ha ha hahahahahaha
This has been tried in other places. There is no credible evidence that it reduces the problem. This will make it very difficult to have someone else pick up a prescription. There are thousands of people in Maine who cannot go to the pharmacy themselves, either due to disability, lack of transportation or lack of photo ID.
Just another flavor of the month in the feckless war on drugs. In case any of you out there haven’t noticed, all of the money and effort has not helped one bit. Making drug abuse a criminal issue instead of a public health matter cannot and will not ever work. A trillion dollars since the 80’s and the problem continues to grow. Do ya think it might be time to try something completely different?
A person it this situation probably has a caretaker assigned or should have one and they would be able to get the prescriptions or be a user on their EBT card and that person would show id to ensure the right person is picking up drugs.
C’mon. There are too many “supposed to” and “should”s in that to be practical. Further, evidence from other states says it doesn’t help.
Go ahead, promote failed policies. Making life more difficult on the poor, elderly and infirm is clearly of no concern to you.
Just trying to protect the poor, elderly and infirm is clearly of no concern to you.
EBT card for prescriptions? I don’t think you can use an EBT card for that. If you’re on MaineCare you have a MaineCare card which when used once, is in the system.
I wasn’t saying that. The comment was about someone shut in and unable to go get their meds . What I was saying is there can be someone assigned to get their MEDS just like they do with the EBT card of a shut in so they can get their food. Just a comparison of how things can work.
I don’t understand how this will help. Are there a lot of people who are stealing prescriptions at the pharmacy? Is the drug problem due to people selling their prescriptions?
“Open for Business” sign needed. In the process of developing an imitation leather wallet – type accordion ID display case, with capacity to hold and display : Birth ID., Identity ID., Food Stamp ID., Voter ID., Driver ID., Alien ID., Handicapped ID., Welfare ID.
If the Balloon Folk In Augusta can limit, or advise on any other proposed IDs., now and before Christmas, I will begin production. Plan to use all Maine products for manufacture and Maine shipping facilities to the markets.
The governor can even cut the ribbon when I open shop – as long as he shows his ID.
Offer an upsell to copy ID’s for backup purposes, because if someone looses their wallet or ID’s or they get stolen, then you will have to deal with the next law (probably being drafted as we speak) that will require you to show ID for lost or stolen ID….
Good idea. Never even thought of that. Will incorporate that in the design. Once perfected I’ll probably the Chinese mass produce it for pennies and sell it exclusive at Marden’s.
“This can lead to people being targeted by someone who may be casing
the pharmacy looking for those older or frail individuals who have been
asked to present an ID,” she said.
Cancer patients, the elderly and their families have been assaulted
in pharmacy parking lots and even followed home by criminals hunting for
prescription drugs, Schneider said.”
This alone says DO NOT PASS!!!
This is the best idea ever…I mean, because we all know how that photo ID to buy sinus medicine has quashed the meth epidemic.
The banks can photograph and fingerprint us if we want to cash a check, so, I see no reason to object to producing ID to buy controlled substances. Anything that requires a perscription is in that sense, “controlled” so why not find out if the controls work. If anyone filling a perscription (or buying one of the limited over the counter meds) showed an ID, the ID and perscription could be photographed together, and the numbers put into one of the sometimes working state computers. If any ID number came up with a wildly high numbers of painkillers, someone would visit and make them prove that they either have had terminal cancer and a bad back since 2005, or they have a good lawyer, (the doctors perscribing them had better have good lawyers too.) It might even show the real nature of the perscription drug problem in Maine. The perscription drug manufacturers know that they are supplying a large illegal market and they also know how much money it brings: I don’t think they want the rest of us to know.
In addition to already being limited to only being able to get one month at a time for opiates now they want ID. STUPID. Many folks who need these drugs can not go to the pharmacy to get them if they could get around easily they would not need them! You can buy any illegal drug you want and now you can get all the pot you want with a note but legit folks are the only ones effected by this crap.
Huh – last time I bought some cold medicine (three years ago?) I had to show photo ID for that. Never realized I could have had some OxyCon with less asked!
The law worked well – now they don’t even bother to sell the OTC stuff (Drixoral) as it killed the market. Just another example of how honest, law-abiding citizens are affected by stupid laws aimed at already-criminal acts.
Remember Maine’s “no prescription drugs outside original container” law? Boy, they really think these things through in Augusta, don’t they? (Well, as well as they can…)