Georgia lawmakers have approved legislation cracking down on so-called pill mills that have become popular after other Southern states drove the pain clinics out.
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ATLANTA (AP) -- Georgia lawmakers have approved legislation cracking down on so-called pill mills that have become popular after other Southern states drove the pain clinics out.
Georgia's lax regulation has made it a magnet for these clinics that are known for illegally prescribing powerful painkillers that can be used for an illicit high. Authorities say drug dealers and addicts drive hundreds of miles to get the drugs in Georgia.
The bill would license and regulate pain management clinics, and require the owner to be a doctor. The bill now goes to the governor.
According to estimates, there were fewer than 10 pill mills in the state in 2010. The number has increased to between 90 and 140 over the last year.
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