Drug Cops and Doctors
Is the DEA Hampering the Treatment of Chronic Pain?
Friday, September 9,2005
F. A. Hayek Auditorium • Cato Institute
1000 Massachusetts Ave., N.W.
Washington, D.C.
The Drug Enforcement Administration has embarked on an aggressive plan to eradicate the illegal "diversion" of certain prescription painkillers. The DEA says the plan is necessary due to increasing abuse of prescription drugs, particularly by youth. Additionally, the agency has teamed up with state and local officials for the campaign. The DEA typically employs law enforcement methods developed in the War on Drugs, including aggressive undercover investigation, asset forfeiture, and informers.
Critics contend that the DEA's anti-diversion campaign has focused too narrowly on doctors, exacerbating the already widespread problem of untreated or under-treated pain. Well-meaning doctors are finding themselves subject to costly, potentially career-ending investigations, critics say.Several doctors have been sent to prison. The DEA maintains that its investigations and prosecutions are necessary to stave off a wave of prescription drug abuse, that only criminal doctors are being targeted, and that its efforts to prevent diversion should have no effect on the legitimate treatment of pain.
Join the Cato Institute for a half-day conference looking at the DEA's efforts to eradicate prescription painkiller diversion and what effects these efforts are having on doctors, patients, and the treatment of pain.
Watch the Event in Real Video (1st Segment)
Listen to the Event in Real Audio (1st Segment) Watch the Event in Real Video (2nd Segment)
Listen to the Event in Real audio (2nd Segment)
Conference Schedule
| 8:30 - 9:00 a.m. | Registration |
| 9:00 - 11:00 a.m. | Panel I: Pain, Diversion,
and Public Policy Drew Edmondson Attorney General of Oklahoma, former president, National Association of Attorneys General Myra Christopher President, Center for Practical Bioethics Ronald T. Libby Professor of Political Science, University of North Florida, Author of the Cato Institute study, "Treating Doctors as Drug Dealers: The DEA's War on Prescription Painkillers" Richard Payne, M.D. Director, Duke Institute on Care at the End of Life, Board Member, American Pain Foundation |
| 11:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. | Panel II: Doctors and Patients
Speak Out Siobhan Reynolds President, Pain Relief Network Frank Fisher, M.D. Exonerated of murder and diversion accusations Eli D. Stutsman Attorney at law Dr. Linda Paey Wife of Richard Paey, pain patient currently serving a 25-year sentence in Florida |
| 1:00 - 1:30 p.m. | Luncheon |