Doctors' group supports prescription database

(Harrisburg) -- The Pennsylvania Medical Society is throwing its weight behind a measure aimed at preventing so-called "doctor shopping."

The group representing the commonwealth's doctors says it supports a bill that sets up a database of patients getting presciptions for powerful pain killers and other controlled substances.

Society President Dr. C. Richard Schott says the information could protect doctors from scammers looking for narcotics.

"It would also be helpful from the standpoint of a patient who legitimately has pain, where there would not be an element of suspicion when they're seeing a physician," Schott says.

Pharmacists would enter information into the proposed database, which doctors could access online or by phone.

The bill passed the House Human Service Committee by a 19-to-five vote earlier this month.