Vermont's Planned Rx Database Raises Fresh Privacy Concerns

Privacy advocates in Vermont arefretting over a controversial plan tocreate a massive electronic database totrack prescription drug use among thestate's residents. Legislation expectedto be introduced in the state senateearly in 2006 would enable Vermontlaw enforcement officials to electronicallytrack prescription holders whomay be using drugs illegally. It mayalso make it easier to identify pharmacistsor doctors engaged in inappropriatedispensing or prescribingactivities.

In addition to officials at the VermontDepartment of Public Health,physicians and pharmacists wouldhave access to the proposed new Rxdatabase, supporters of the bill said.

Mr. Rankin is a freelance medical writer.